AMC commander visits Joint Base Balad

Published Oct. 21, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Jake Richmond
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command, visited the base Oct. 6 to observe inter- and intra-theater airlift capabilities and learn about air mobility operations and direct-delivery missions throughout Southwest Asia.

In an interview during his visit with 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs, General Lichte shared his perspectives on the challenges his Airmen face in a deployed environment, the downrange impact of total-force integration in AMC missions, and the evolution of mobility efforts during the U.S. forces' drawdown in Iraq.

332nd AEW/PA: Sir, why did you decide to visit Joint Base Balad?

General Lichte: I always wanted to come see where the action is and see the great people here at Balad. Actually, it's part of a whole visit that I'm going on through Iraq and Afghanistan to get an assessment of how Air Mobility Command is supporting our No. 1 customer. So, it's an opportunity for me to come down here and see the great people in action. I've been in and out of here several times on aeromedical evacuation flights, but I got a little more time this time...it's great to come in and see everybody.

332nd AEW/PA: What are your impressions of the AMC mission here, and is there anything specific you'll be taking with you to pass along when you return back to the States?

General Lichte: I've been very impressed by the men and women of Air Mobility Command who are deployed here -- they are working in some harsh conditions as you know. They are keeping some very old air planes flying and up in the air, and to get to see them firsthand and thank them firsthand is a tremendous opportunity for me. And, of course, I'll take their messages back home. I met a few of them who I (told) I'd go home and say "hi" to moms and dads, and I'll do that...They work 12-hour shifts six days a week, and half of them come out on the seventh day and continue to work. So we're really, really proud of them...They pull off miracles every day, and every time they launch air planes, they are saving lives. Sometimes we forget that.

332nd AEW/PA: How have AMC assets, including personnel, made a significant impact on the overall mission here in Iraq?

General Lichte: Well, I think when you just look at the number or sorties flown, two out of every three are mobility missions, and they are being supported by active, Guard, and Reserve (Airmen). You can't tell the difference, the air planes can't tell the difference, and they perform flawlessly. So, to see them in action is a thing of beauty.

332nd AEW/PA: As U.S. forces continue to draw down across the country, in what ways will the AMC mission have to evolve?

General Lichte: No matter how much it draws down, I can assure you that Air Mobility Command (Airmen) will probably be the last ones out. As long as there are people here, who will be here to sustain them? As long as there are people on the battle field, we will be here to medically evac them and to take care of them...And I hope it does draw down quickly for all of our sakes, but until it does, I think you are going to see Air Mobility Command right in the forefront of the mission.