JCS chairman visits Minot AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Stratton
  • 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) --  Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited here Feb. 18 to discuss the importance of family support, concern for the current economic crisis and the base's role in nuclear deterrence as the Air Force's only dual nuclear base. 

During a town hall meeting, Admiral Mullen talked to base personnel about family support and how focusing on the individual has always been a vital piece to the successful mission of every member of America's armed forces.

"We cannot defend our nation without a strong focus on our families," Admiral Mullen said.

"Especially since Sept. 11, families have stood up and sacrificed more than we could have ever asked for," he said. "We need to keep our people at the center of everything we do."

Just as strong family support is an integral part of the mission of the Department of Defense, Admiral Mullen spoke about the continued reorganization of the nation's nuclear deterrence force and enterprise as a top priority in the DOD.

"A lot of progress has been made so far," he said. "It is a deterrent to keep us out of the fight. After the Berlin Wall came down, the subject we neglected was nuclear deterrence. I applaud (Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton) Schwartz and Secretary (of the Air Force Michael) Donley for their hard work on the nuclear enterprise, which is such a critical piece in our nation's defense."

Admiral Mullen continued his remarks by discussing what effects the current economic crisis may have on the Air Force, as well as the other branches of this nation's defense.

"Lots of things are changing and the economic crisis we find ourselves in not only affects the Air Force and DOD, but the entire globe," he said. "I am extremely concerned with the impact this will have on us all. This comes at a time when stability in parts of the world, such as the Middle East, is constantly changing."

The admiral continued with several key points that addressed concerns for America's involvement in the war in Southwest Asia.

"Even as we draw down our forces in Iraq, and the Iraqi government takes more and more control of their own security, we will continue to render our support," Admiral Mullen said. "Our ground forces have carried the burden of these wars. These forces have been pushed and stressed, but are certainly resilient. There are currently 27,000 Airmen serving Central Command and are doing an excellent job relieving the stress of the ground forces."

At a time when the armed forces are stretched thin both near and far, the admiral made it clear how important sound leadership is for the continued success of America's defense.

"Leading change is extraordinarily challenging," he said. "Leadership is the most important part of who we are. Everyone is a leader and this extends to taking care of our people so we can continue our mission into the future."

Strong leadership in the military always has a counterpart in the local, state and federal governments. John Hoeven, North Dakota governor, thanked the admiral for his visit and support for the North Dakota bases.

"This has been a great year for Minot and a tremendous year for the base," Governor Hoeven said. "It's always great to see what these outstanding Airmen both here and in Grand Forks have accomplished. I'm very impressed with what Admiral Mullen has done here and we really appreciate it."

Col. Joel Westa, 5th Bomb Wing commander, said Admiral Mullen made a statement of how important the bomb wing and missile wing are by coming here when he did.

And, he added, "When you come in the summer, you're called 'visitor.' When you come in the winter, we call you 'friend.'"
 
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