Photo By Tech. Sgt. John Linzmeier | U.S. Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson, Pacific Air Forces commander, presents the...... read more read more
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OKINAWA, Japan - The Pacific Air Forces commander visited Kadena Air Base Aug. 2 through 4 to spend time with the men and women who make up Team Kadena and to better understand the base's capabilities, quality of life and mission readiness.
This was Gen. Lori Robinson's first visit to the 18th Wing since she took command in October 2014. She toured various facilities around the base to get a firsthand look at how Airmen here lay the foundation of stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region on a day-to-day basis.
"With the U.S.'s strategic focus on the Pacific, it's paramount Airmen continue to operate effectively with all their core values -- Integrity, Service Before Self, and Excellence in all we do," Robinson said.
During her tour, the general was able to witness those values placed into action as Kadena Airmen reacted to a Mission-Focused Exercise, simulating a deployment for more than 200 Airmen and demonstrating the base's combat-ready capabilities.
The visit also entailed an all-call at the Rocker NCO Club, where Robinson addressed various topics and answered questions in regards to mission readiness. She emphasized readiness begins within one's personal life and delivered her expectations.
"I expect you to be physically, mentally and emotionally fit," she said. "Not just today but every day. Take care of your family too. I also expect you to be ready to fight tonight. If everything at home isn't squared away, then you're not ready to fight tonight."
She also explained a strong aspect of her leadership philosophy was to not be afraid to provide realistic feedback when it is needed.
"We all like to hear good news," Robinson said. "We all like to pat someone on the back and say 'you're totally awesome' and that may not always be true. If we are able to give honest, focused feedback, we'll make sure that the force we have will continue to be the best Air Force in the world."
Robinson highlighted the fact that Kadena's strategic location is the perfect place to foster partnerships, power projection and presence throughout this side of the globe.
As the commander of PACAF, Robinson is responsible for air operations across the Pacific and commands more than 45,000 personnel. With such a large presence being held in hosting nations, she made it clear each Airman is expected to be a reputable guest.
"Here we are in someone else's country, and we're representing the United States of America," she said. "No matter what rank, no matter what we're doing, everyone knows we [are] U.S. citizens, and everybody [is] so proud of you. But, we always have to remember that with whatever we do and with what we say, we are ambassadors."
After sharing words about her admiration for what she saw throughout her three-day visit, the general stayed to answer questions, directly addressing concerns and curiosities.
"From what I saw here yesterday, I know Airmen are ready," Robinson said. "I know families are ready, and I know if something was asked, [Brig. Gen. Barry] Cornish, [18th Wing commander,] would have his wing ready to go. So, thank you for what you do each and every day, thank you for serving in the strategic place in this region, thanks for your passion in what you do and thank you for being great Airmen."
After Robinson departs Kadena, she will continue her tour throughout the command before returning to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
| Date Taken: | 08.04.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.04.2015 03:12 |
| Story ID: | 172029 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 130 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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