Photo By Airman 1st Class Chelsea Arana | U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, Commander, 16th Air Force (Air...... read more read more
Subscribe
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Lt. Gen. Thomas K. Hensley commander of
Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), visited Beale AFB Feb. 20-21 for the first time
since taking command last year.
During the two-day visit, Hensley toured essential facilities across the base, flew in the
U-2 Dragon Lady and addressed more than 550 Airmen during an All Call.
It was during the All Call where Hensley emphasized the crucial role Beale plays in
information warfare in the modern age and how it takes every Airman to contribute to
the mission.
Hensley highlighted the importance of readiness and security, amid increasing cyber
threats particularly concerning telecommunication and networks.
“One of the reasons I go around and visit all these bases is to motivate Airmen to do
their mission, but as I watch them do their part in real time, I end up being the one
motivated,” said Hensley.
He also addressed questions the Airmen had, ranging from his personal experience in
the Air Force, to implementation of recent executive orders.
Among the facilities Hensley toured was the 9th Medical Group where Airmen involved
in the day-to-day operations provided insight on how the different clinics support
medical readiness. In return, he reminded them how they actively contribute to the
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission.
Hensley got the ultimate look into the mission when he flew, for the first time, in the U-2
Dragon Lady, a key contributor of the ISR mission. The TU-2S Dragon Lady is a two-
seater U-2 used to train pilots at Beale which allows the primary pilot to navigate and
the second to observe.
Hensley experienced the U-2’s capabilities firsthand on a high-altitude flight, as he
ascended to an altitude of 70,000 feet. To prepare for takeoff, he underwent various
training sessions, to include emergency parachute and aviation life support briefings.
9th Physiological Support Squadron technicians were among the many Airmen who
prepared Hensley for his flight, giving him a direct perspective on how they operate.
“Thank you to all the Airmen behind the scenes that made this high-flight happen,” said
Hensley. “This was an experience of a lifetime that wouldn’t have been possible without
you.”
Visits from senior leadership give Airmen insight on how their contributions look from a
“high-altitude”. Hensley’s visit reassured and aligned Airmen with their mission as it
evolves, keeping Beale united and mission-ready.
| Date Taken: | 03.06.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.06.2025 12:48 |
| Story ID: | 492158 |
| Location: | BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 49 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 16th Air Force commander gets close up view of Recce Town’s crucial IW role in the modern age during two-day visit, by A1C Chelsea Arana, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
