AMC leaders visit Herk Nation

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mariam K. Springs

Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, Air Mobility Command commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Brian Kruzelnick, AMC command chief, visited Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Oct. 19-20, 2020, as part of their listening tour across AMC installations.

Van Ovost and Kruzelnick’s visit showcased mission capabilities from the 19th Airlift Wing, 314th AW, 189th AW and 913th Airlift Group as a collective representation of the ‘Home of Herk Nation,’ dedicated to providing and sustaining agile combat airlift across the globe.

“We have to advance our warfighting capabilities so we can compete in the high-end fight,” Van Ovost said. “As soon as we arrive to work, we need to be prepared for an adversary that is ready to fight. It takes targeted modernization efforts for these aircraft and our fleets to get the capabilities we need to project the Joint Force forward.”

During their visit, Van Ovost and Kruzelnick met with Airmen paving the way for innovation through efforts such as the virtual reality maintenance training hangar—a platform focused on speeding up training while controlling the environment in order to safely and effectively train on mission-essential tasks, to enhance maintenance lethality and readiness. 

“We cannot do more of the same thing and expect a different result,” Van Ovost said. “As Gen. Brown has said, we must accelerate change or lose. It’s imperative to start now and you’ve taken that to heart here.”

Little Rock AFB’s commitment to support this effort was put on display with Airmen showcasing their focus on radiological operations, full-spectrum readiness and Agile Combat Employment. Airmen also demonstrated their utilization of the Aerial Bulk Fuel Delivery System, which can be used to deliver fuel to austere locations where fuel may not otherwise be accessible.

A common thread recognized by AMC leadership through these engagements was the sharp mental focus and warrior ethos of Little Rock Airmen.

“Our greatest competitive advantage over every adversary we face is our Airmen,” Kruzelnick said. “We need our Airmen to be resilient—Airmen who are resilient and supported can focus on innovative solutions based on their operations expertise.”

While addressing Airmen during an all-call, Van Ovost emphasized the need for the ‘Home of Herk Nation’ to continue develop its Airmen and building upon its strong ‘Ready Warrior’ culture while serving as the epicenter of the nation’s tactical airlift capability.

“We know the answer to many challenges lie right here in the Airmen that do this mission every day,” Van Ovost said. “We’re looking to ensure you have all the tools necessary, you’re developed, have advanced warfighting capabilities, and you’re generating full-spectrum readiness—and it all starts right here with Herk Nation.”