Top Air Combat Command leader visits Tyndall Airmen

  • Published
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) --  The commander of Air Combat Command visited the men and women of 1st Air Force Jan. 28 through 29 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. 

Gen. William M. Fraser III discussed homeland defense and humanitarian aid and expressed gratitude for Airmen's efforts during his commanders call.

Aside from his commander's call, he toured the Killey Center for Homeland Operations, visited the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, received mission briefings, and visited the 601st Air and Space Operations Center, taking time to speak with Airmen as he toured the base.

"The key is being a good wingman, being out there, staying connected with each other," he said. "It doesn't matter if you're active duty, Guard, Reserve or civilian. There is strength in reaching out."

And the general expressed his thoughts about particular aspects of the 1st Air Force mission, namely defense support of civil authorities and the air sovereignty alert mission.

"I think the unique thing about the military is our flexibility and agility to provide assistance across a number of areas," he said. "We're going to continue to provide whatever capabilities we have for whatever the crisis may be just as we did during previous hurricanes and other natural disasters."

Additionally, he lauded the Airmen supporting ongoing Haiti operations.

"What we're doing in Haiti is huge, and I'm extremely proud of our men and women who are providing that critical support to the Haitians at this time."

Addressing the air sovereignty alert  mission, he stressed it's a mission that will continue despite a draw down of assets that include the F-15 Eagle.

"We are going to continue to support the air sovereignty mission and you will not see a lapse in our commitment or capabilities to support it. We'll ensure we meet the mission with whatever assets are necessary to accomplish that."

"My first message is thank you for all your hard work," General Fraser said. "And thank your families for their sacrifices which let you accomplish the mission. I'm very appreciative of that. But what I really need to do is hear from you; there is nothing I like more."

Tech. Sgt. Timothy Lord, the Alpha Flight Team NCO in charge from the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, expressed his thoughts on ACC's top officer visit.

"I always enjoy when senior leadership gives praise to our fellow Airmen who are defending the U.S. borders," he said. "It is vital that the day-to-day mission be carried out to include preparations for exercises, inspections, temporary duty assignments and deployments and to hear 'job well done' from the commander is always welcomed and appreciated."