LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Base leadership’s presence at these bimonthly meetings represents a tight integration between the military and the local community that supports the installation. It also offers an opportunity for military leadership to share important installation updates such as the recent Gnarly Explodeo exercise which included the first successful testing of a cutting-edge satellite communication suite during a maximum endurance mission.
“Our Airmen are reminded daily of the fantastic support we enjoy with our community hosts here in the greater Little Rock area,” said Davies. “From our next-door neighbors to the local businesses we patronage, the value proposition of service at Little Rock Air Force Base has never been more evident to Airmen and retirees across the Air Force.”
During the meeting, Davies shared a quick recap of the Thunder Over the Rock Air Show that was held this past October. He spoke to the magnitude of the event that drew more than 260 thousand people, that led the air show to being named the Thunderbirds’ Military Air Show of the Year for 2023, awarded by the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nevada.
The installation commander also announced the 19th AW was honored as a recipient of the 2023 Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award for its exceptional performance during the period of 1 Sept. 2022 to 31 Aug. 2023.
“The Outstanding Unit Award is not earned by wings who struggle with community relationships,” said Davies. “Our Black Knights Airmen are able to succeed across a diverse mission set because of the support we enjoy within our Central Arkansas communities.”
Davies concluded his remarks by speaking to Little Rock AFB being one of the largest employers in the state of Arkansas with a local economic impact of approximately $1.79 billion.
The Little Rock Regional Chamber is the principal business-driven leadership organization responsible for fostering the economic growth and development of the Little Rock region to ensure that business and industry may operate profitably and enhance the earning opportunities and quality of life for every citizen. The Little Rock Regional Chamber is the oldest association in Arkansas, fifth oldest business/organization in the region, and 14th oldest business/organization in the state.