General attends ribbon cutting ceremony

Published April 24, 2009
By Airman First Class Rochelle Clace
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- The 18th Air Force commander, from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., helped officials here cut the ribbon on a combined headquarters building (Bldg. 318), April 16 during his visit to Little Rock AFB.

"Today's ribbon cutting is a result of a 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission's findings, which allowed growth for Team Little Rock," said Col. Gregory Otey, 19th Airlift Wing commander, during the ceremony. "This facility behind me will house the commanders and the staff of both the 19th Operations and Maintenance Groups, placing a vital piece of the combat airlift puzzle under one roof."

Colonel Otey said it was an honor and a privilege to have the commander of 18th AF, Maj. Gen. Winfield W. Scott III, help open the new facility.

"General Scott commands the largest numbered Air Force in the United States Air Force, he oversees the largest air operations center in the Air Force, and [he] is responsible for Air Mobility Command personnel and aircraft that average a takeoff every 90 seconds, everyday, all across the globe," said Colonel Otey. "General Scott knows and understands C-130 operations and he knows what it takes to produce combat airlift."

During his visit here, General Scott expressed his gratitude for the hospitality the leadership, wing and community showed him.

"This is the home of combat airlift," he said. "I want to specifically thank Greg and Lisa Otey for their superb hospitality and the entire wing and the community. It literally knocked my socks off. It's great to be back in C-130 country."

General Scott said he visited Little Rock primarily "to meet the great young Airmen that support the mission here at Little Rock, that are part of our great Air Force and are executing the mission over in the Area of Responsibility on an everyday basis. [I want to] get their feedback first hand, not filtered, on where the chief and I can help make them a more effective fighting machine."

The general also discussed the impact Little Rock AFB personnel have had on overseas contingency operations.

"When people see 'The Rock' tail flash flying through Afghanistan and Iraq, they know that there are professionals on that aircraft. Whether it's the aircraft or whether it's the security forces, civil engineering or expeditionary support forces, they know if 'The Rock's' there, they're going to get the superb support that they need to execute the mission," he said.

General Scott also reminded Airmen to look out for one another and to continue to strive to be the best.

"This is a marathon and not a sprint," explained the general. "Watch your fellow Airmen. Take care of each other, stay focused, and keep doing what you're doing."

"We certainly have some of the most dedicated and professional folks out here," added Chief Master Sgt. James Cody, 18th Air Force command chief. "No doubt the Airmen are doing great here."

During his visit here, General Scott also announced his retirement. He said he couldn't think of a better place to be during his announcement then in C-130 country because "he's a C-130 guy."