Top enlisted Airman visits joint servicemembers at Fort Bliss

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FORT BLISS, Texas (AFNS) --  The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited Biggs Army Airfield Aug. 10 for meetings at both Joint Task Force North and an Air Force squadron here. 

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy answered a few questions from task force Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines before ending up at the 7th Air Support Operations Squadron headquarters facility on Biggs Army Airfield for a walkthrough of the unit. 

"It's awesome," Chief Roy said about the Air Force unit working and living alongside Army units. "This is quite dynamic that we have units like this that are embedded with the Army. We as an Air Force are part of a larger team. This unit just highlights that because it's working with a joint partner." 

Chief Roy's visit included a briefing on the unit's mission and status. The chief was given a chance to look over equipment being used today by the Airmen, including communications and various military gear. The Airmen deployed are joint terminal attack controller teams in support of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. 

The chief also spoke to Airmen and held a question-and-answer session with the unit, addressing questions and concerns from the squadron. 

"Joint operations are going to continue to grow," Chief Roy said. "It's large. It's grown over the many years and it will continue to mature." 

He said joint and coalition operations bring the components of different forces together, including senses of cultural partnership. This includes the bringing together of Army and Air Force culture as the units continue their work in the fight. 

"That's what makes us so strong: joint and coalition teams," Chief Roy said. 

The chief also addressed five Airmen from the unit deploying the following morning. 

"We've got to get folks here understanding that we are a nation at war and what we do each and every day is important for preparation," Chief Roy said. "Today we have about 38,000 Airmen out there somewhere. That is huge." 

As the high numbers continue, Chief Roy maintained that hard work and preparation must continue and remain at the same high levels the Air Force has maintained.