LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- The 19th Airlift Wing officially unveiled the Black Knights’ 2023-2024 strategy Friday morning during a battle rhythm session with wing, group, and squadron-level leadership. Following closely in the footsteps of 18th Air Force’s strategy release, the Black Knights’ one-page document refocuses Airmen throughout the wing on their strategic role as tactical airlifters with a warrior ethos mindset in this era of great power competition.
The document itself reveals a new mission (“TacAir Anywhere”), wing commander’s intent (“Move Out!”), and motto (“Be Worthy”). Additionally, leaders reduced the wing’s vision down to a single-word sentence: Win. That vision dovetails directly into the three focus areas for the year ahead: Warrior ethos mindset, Innovation without barriers, and Noble airmen and families. The document itself was written to “…prepare Herk Nation for the future fight” and is signed by the both the Wing Commander and the Command Chief.
“Mobility Guardian 2023 showcased the C-130’s newfound speed to the fight in this era of great power competition, and we needed to capture that fresh focus in a single, impactful, and understandable manner,” stated 19th Airlift Wing commander, Col. Denny Davies. “This strategy is extremely digestible, hard-hitting, and nestles perfectly under recent Air Mobility Command and 18th Air Force strategic documents.”
Command Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Tonino agreed, “Anyone working in this wing can see their contributions to ‘TacAir Anywhere’ directly within our three new focus areas. This strategy sets the tone for the year ahead as we pivot into the AFFORGEN era while continuing to innovate and win.”
A number of tangible impacts of the strategy have already begun appearing throughout the base, including new unit posters, electronic marques, and “TacAir Anywhere” stickers. Additionally, within the next week, everyone will receive a “TacAir Anywhere” wooden nickel for their pockets, a daily reminder of their personal impact to the Black Knights’ mission.
For his part, Davies is extremely enthusiastic about the change. “Coming out of a fantastic MG23 certification exercise, the Black Knights earned this rebranding, and we’re going to own every bit of it. Black Knights have a proud heritage of leading Herk Nation into the fight, and we are prepared to do so again if called upon. TacAir Anywhere!”