Photo By 2nd Lt. Katie Justen | U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Joseph T. Guastella, U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander...... read more read more
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U.S. Air Forces Central Command top leadership visited the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Oct. 25, 2019, for a base immersion and to discuss the wing’s critical role in the theater of operations.
Lt. Gen. Joseph Guastella, AFCENT commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Drinkard, AFCENT command chief, arrived to the base days following the deployment of additional F-15E Strike Eagles, which joined the already diverse mix of ADAB aircraft from all five core mission sets of the Air Force.
“As we get off the jet this morning, the first thing we see is a flightline full of iron, airpower, intimidation … everything that represents us as a force is laid out for us,” said Drinkard. “It’s not just on display and out there to look pretty; it’s out there to do our nation’s business, and we’re doing this business every day.”
Drinkard noted the display of airpower did not stop on the flightline, however. As the visiting party made its way to the Phantom Compound, they witnessed more than two hundred new deployers in the midst of grabbing their luggage and beginning to in-process.
“We thought we saw airpower,” said Drinkard. “But the real airpower was on display as those Airmen were lined up reporting into this formation to be a part of your team to make it happen.”
The general and chief’s visit included stops at various 380th AEW facilities to discuss ADAB’s integral role in delivering airpower while simultaneously providing security and stability to the region.
The duo received various mission briefs, including a visit to the Base Defense Operations Center, where they discussed counter-unmanned aerial systems capabilities. Guastella and Drinkard also walked the floor of “Kingpin,” the lead control and reporting center for the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
Discussion with Airmen from the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron and coalition partners within the CRC provided a bird’s eye view of the AOR and insight into the critical mission of command and control.
“The airmen and mission we have at this base are invaluable, because what we do reaches across the range of this AOR. We couldn't do it without you. You generate the airpower that affects every aspect of this joint mission across the region.”
The team enjoyed lunch fostering roundtable discussion with ADAB teammates, as well as visited the maintenance and operations compound for a smaller group discussion with aircrew and key operators.
During the all-call, Guastella continued to emphasize the pivotal role that every Airman, soldier, Marine, and coalition partner plays at ADAB in getting the mission done.
“It's not just about pilots or aircrew; it's not just about command and control; it's the ability to sustain airpower 24/7, 365 out of this air base. Every single one of you matters to this mission...the mission will fail if any of you or your squadrons can't do their jobs.”
Drinkard also encouraged ADAB warriors to speak up and reach out to leadership to identify needs or barriers that inhibit their ability to execute the mission.
“Always be on the net loud, be on the net early,” said Drinkard. “If you need a tool, if you need something to be a better warrior – speak up because we’re in the business of helping you be better to execute our nation’s objectives.”
During the all-call, the audience was able to ask questions ranging from the current threat environment, changes in regional conflicts and budget concerns, to the stand up of Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia.
The theme of airpower, its heavy demand signal, and the supporting role Al Dhafra plays in the strategic picture was prevalent throughout the leaderships’ remarks.
“I appreciate the sacrifice of being away from your friends and families, but what you do matters to our nation's and our coalition. You are making a difference, and no matter what your job is; we need you. Take care of yourself. Take care of each other.”
| Date Taken: | 10.29.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 10.29.2019 10:02 |
| Story ID: | 349660 |
| Location: | AL DHAFRA, AE |
| Web Views: | 161 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, AFCENT leadership team visits 380 AEW, by Capt. Amanda Farr, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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