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Polish air force commander learns AMC's mission

  • Published
  • By Laura McAndrews
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The Polish air force commander visited Air Mobility Command Sept. 23 as part of a multi-stop tour consisting of several U.S. Air Force installations to specifically focus on and learn about U.S. airlift capability.

Lt. Gen. Andrzej Blasik, Poland's air force commander, visited AMC because he is interested in the development of their airlift capability to include contingency operations and the possibility of airlift support operations in Afghanistan. The visit continues to develop and enhance the relationship between the U.S. and Polish Air Forces, officials said.

During an exchange with Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, AMC commander, General Blasik said he was curious about air refueling and how AMC cares for their aircraft.

"You said your fleet is getting very old," General Blasik said. "Is it a big problem to service?"

For every hour a KC-135 Stratotanker flies it requires seven to 10 hours of maintenance, General Lichte said. "It's a challenge. It's all based on our aircrews and our maintainers who do a great job with these airplanes."

While at Scott AFB, Ill., the general received the AMC Command Brief followed by a tour and mission brief of the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center. Next on the agenda was a tour of an aeromedical staging facility and of U.S. Transportation Command operations.

General Blasik's tour started with a visit to the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. After visiting AMC and Scott AFB, the general also went to Hill AFB, Utah, and Hurlburt Field AFB, Fla.

The visit "provides the air chief with a strategic look at joint areas of interest designed to open up discussions between the two services for future bi-lateral and multi-lateral developments," said Maj. Paul Villagran, Air Force foreign liaison project officer.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, AMC has flown 585 sorties, transferred 42,321 passengers and delivered 8,198 tons of cargo in support of Poland.