AMC commander: 'Charleston Airmen are outstanding'

Published April 22, 2009
By Airman Ian Hoachlander
437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The men and women of Air Mobility Command are doing great things and Charleston AFB Airmen are doing outstanding work across the globe, said the AMC commander during a visit to the base April 16 and 17.

Gen. Arthur Lichte stopped at Charleston AFB on his way to Columbia, S.C., to attend the Doolittle Raiders' 67th Reunion.

"It is hard to think of Charleston AFB and not think of the great men and women who help fulfill the air mobility mission every day," said General Lichte. "Charleston AFB is providing airlift and combat ready forces. The C-17 has great potential, but would not work at all without the great capability of the men and women behind it."

Airmen have been at war for almost 19 years, and AMC, as the U.S. military's manager of airlift, aerial refueling and aeromedical evacuation, has a huge role to play, added the general. He said all Airmen, even the most junior ones, can make their mark in AMC.

"For new Airmen assigned to an air mobility unit, they have to make sure they do their jobs to the best of their ability," said General Lichte. "AMC spends time training Airmen so they can work to their fullest potential. We want Airmen who are enthusiastic about their jobs and want to make a difference."

The general also said NCOs and junior officers newly assigned to an air mobility unit must pay close attention to what they are doing and make good decisions because people are looking up to them.

"People who are entering a leadership role have to remember integrity is the foundation of everything they do," General Lichte said. "Leaders have to be enthusiastic and care about what they do and about their people. If they do that, the Airmen can see that they want to take care of them and will do anything leaders ask. That should be what is important for our leaders: taking care of Airmen and their families."

By joining the Air Force, you're not just joining a team, said General Lichte. He said Airmen not only make a difference in their own lives, they make a difference to our nation.

"It is the best job in the world," added the general. "People who join the Air Force will learn responsibility and will grow as a person. New Airmen will find more opportunities and challenges here than they would find anywhere else.

"It is a very interesting time for the Air Force and serving the country at a time of war is a big thing to do," he said. "Serving at this time will not only help make new recruits better, but it will help make the country better."

General Lichte said his visit to Charleston AFB was "outstanding." He said he was very impressed with how Airmen here continually worked with one another using Air Force Smart Operations (for the 21st Century) and Lean initiatives to create more efficient ways to do business.

"Every day, Charleston Airmen demonstrate the spirit of 'taking the fight to the enemy,'" he said.