AMC command chief gets first-hand look of Combat Airlift mission, Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Regina Edwards
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Shelina Frey, command chief for Air Mobility Command, visited Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., Nov. 1 – 3, 2016. The command chief met Airmen from the 19th Airlift Wing and saw first-hand how Combat Airlift sustains and executes Rapid Global Mobility anytime, anywhere.

During Frey’s visit, she met with medical group technicians, control tower operators, flightline mechanics and security forces Defenders to gain a more personal perspective of the Black Knights’ dedication and resilience to their mission.

Little Rock AFB embraces the total force concept hosting active-duty, Guard and Reserve units along with other branches of service and international forces. Impressed by this makeup, the command chief encouraged continuing to take advantage of every partnership opportunity.

“You have an opportunity with the Air National Guard being on this base to do things together so when we go out to an area of responsibility, we go there with one voice, on the same team, getting after the mission,” she said. “Expound on those opportunities. You have Marines on the base. Why not put those young people in the same room together and let’s talk about the ‘Hoorah’ and the ‘Aim High.’”

While speaking with the base’s upcoming noncommissioned officers in charge at Airmen Leadership School, Frey talked about honing their leadership skills in order to build successful leaders of tomorrow.

“Listen to our Airmen,” she said. “Please allow them to ask questions, and let them be who they are. Let our Airmen understand where they fit in with Rapid Global Mobility. And then own your command; own your leadership. When you are surrounded by good leadership, you can’t help but to be a good leader. ”

The way ahead for AMC is to continue to take care of Airmen and their families so they can continue to generate RGM for America. Airmen at Little Rock AFB are not only doing that, but they’re doing it with pride, the command chief emphasized.

“(Little Rock Airmen) are innovative and they communicate; they know what excellence looks like because they generate it every day. I contribute that pride to their leadership because we all are a product of our leadership,” she said.

The visit allowed Frey to gain a more in-depth look at Combat Airlift. From the front gate to the flightline, Airmen shined as they offered the command chief different perspectives on how air power is conducted from Little Rock AFB.

“My cheeks are sore from smiling,” she said. “I am never surprised when I see the goodness of our Airmen. I can hear in their voice when they were giving me a briefs about their unit how proud they are to be an Airman and how proud they are to be an Airman at Little Rock Air Force Base.”