DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — Twenty-three Air Mobility Command civic leaders visited Dyess Air Force Base to gain firsthand insight into the 317th Airlift Wing’s tactical airlift mission and learn how the Dyess-Abilene partnership contributes to global readiness, Aug. 24-25, 2026.
Selected from a variety of professional backgrounds, AMC civic leaders serve as trusted advisors who connect military leaders with the communities they represent. Their visit to Dyess provided opportunities to engage with Airmen, observe operational capabilities and better understand the installation’s role in national defense.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gerald Donohue, AMC interim deputy commander, welcomed the civic leaders during an evening engagement in downtown Abilene with local civic and installation leaders. Discussions centered on regional growth, community support programs and Dyess’ strategic importance.
“Civic leaders are vital partners for Air Mobility Command because they help connect the American public with our Airmen and mission,” Donohue said. “By seeing Dyess’ capabilities firsthand and speaking directly with Airmen, they gain a better understanding of how mobility forces respond whenever and wherever our nation calls.”
The following morning, civic leaders shared breakfast with 317th AW and 7th Bomb Wing squadron commanders and leadership before beginning an immersive tour of the airlift wing’s mission.
“Today is much more than just a show and tell,” said Col. Christopher Welch, 317th AW commander. “It’s about getting you in front of these Airmen and letting them share their passion, professionalism and expertise, so that you walk away with a deeper understanding of how all of these mobility platforms integrate and operate. By connecting missions, we can connect support across AMC for our Airmen.”
Then the tour started with mission briefs from Welch and Col. Robert Sturgill Jr., 7th BW and installation commander. The commanders explained how the two wings integrate tactical airlift and long-range strike capabilities to execute Dyess’ unique mission.
“Dyess is America’s only Lift and Strike base—home to the B-1 and C-130,” Welch said. “The partnership between our wings brings tactical airlift and long-range strike together, strengthening both missions and our ability to respond whenever called.”
To illustrate that mission, Welch described how the 317th AW supports current operations, maintains readiness for emerging requirements and modernizes how C-130J Super Hercules forces operate in contested environments. He also emphasized the wing’s enduring responsibilities to the nation, its Airmen and civilians, and their families.
“We don’t simply deliver cargo or passengers—we deliver the effects and options our nation needs,” Welch said. “Whether that means holding an adversary accountable or saving lives at scale, when Hazard gets the call, we deliver victory.”
Correspondingly, Sturgill discussed the 7th BW’s global strike mission, its reliance on mobility forces and the continued growth of the installation. He also emphasized that accomplishing Dyess’ mission depends on the enduring relationship between the base and the surrounding community.
“Dyess is known for having one of the strongest military-community relationships in the country,” Sturgill said. “The Abilene community is what really makes this work and it’s that support that keeps our people going.”
After the mission briefs, the civic leaders received a preflight brief and participated in hands-on demonstrations of aircrew flight equipment. They examined night vision goggles, aircrew helmets, protective equipment and emergency parachute systems while learning how each item helps aircrews operate safely in demanding environments.
Following lunch with Airmen at the Longhorn Dining Facility, the 317th AW showcased its Rapid Expeditionary Toolkit and Tactical Operations Center capabilities. Graduates of the wing’s Lethal Expeditionary Airman Development course explained how Airmen developed the tools as grassroots innovations to help small teams establish, sustain and operate from austere locations.
“What impressed me most were the Airmen and the dedication they bring to their work,” said Gino Sciorilli, an AMC civic leader representing Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.
Ultimately, the demonstrations highlighted the wing’s efforts to develop Mission- Ready Airmen and refine how tactical airlift forces maneuver in contested and resource-limited environments.
To conclude, civic leaders observed a C-130J perform a Maximum Effort Landing on the assault landing strip at Dyess, followed by a Specialized Fueling Operation and an expedited passenger onload. Together, the events demonstrated the aircraft’s ability to rapidly reposition personnel, equipment and fuel.
“The biggest takeaway for me was realizing the vast reach of the 317th Airlift Wing—how far you can go, the immense distance of your missions and the high tempo at which you operate,” said Sciorilli. There is no room for the impossible in the 317th Airlift Wing; everything is focused on getting the job done, which I’ve clearly seen in the short time I’ve been here. I am truly impressed.”
Following their time at Dyess, the civic leaders boarded a C-130J for airlift to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, to continue their multi-day tour.
Through direct engagement with Dyess Airmen, the civic leaders gained a deeper understanding of the people, capabilities and community partnerships that enable the 317th AW to answer the nation’s call. Participants departed Dyess better equipped to share the Air Mobility Command and 317th AW mission with the communities they represent.