Air Combat Command general visits JBER

News: Air Combat Command general visits JBER

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs

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Story by Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett Subscribe To This Journalist

Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett

U.S. Air Force Maj. Christopher Lazidis, 90th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing, right, briefs Air Force Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Command, left, on the capabilities of the 703rd Maintenance Squadron, 3rd Wing during his visit to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 18. During his visit, the general was updated on the joint base's various mission capabilities and addressed the concerns of airmen.

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Command, visited here July 16-19 to become familiar with the joint mission and operations.

In addition to being updated on various missions of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, the visit allowed him to address airmen’s concerns.

“I hate the phrase ‘do more with less,’” he said. “It’s the cry of a hollow force, and that’s the last thing we can afford to be right now. I’ll do everything I can to make sure the mission gets done, while we continue to find ways to trim what isn’t critical.”

Hostage thanked airmen for their service and said military volunteers enable the country and future generations.

“All of us grew up able to be whatever it was we wanted to be,” he said. “Whether a doctor, a lawyer, or anything, that’s the nature of our society. The reason our country works the way it does is because there are people willing to fight and die for it.”

The commander’s tour included visits to the 90th Fighter Squadron, 525th Fighter Squadron, F-22 simulator and maintenance crews, and the flightline dining facility, where he engaged with airmen. He also toured the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, Alaskan Command, 611th Air Operations Centers, and 477th Fighter Group.

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