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18th AF Command Chief Visits Pope

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jon LaDue
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Chief Master Sgt. James Cody, 18th Air Force Command Chief, toured Pope Aug. 21 and 22 for the first time since taking over as 18th AF/CCC. 

"It's a great opportunity for me to come out and really get the whole picture of what you all are doing here," Chief Cody said. 

Chief Cody began his visit by touring the dormitories. He stopped by different Airmen's dorms to see how the layouts differed from other bases. After the tour he visited with Airmen at the Summer Sizzle hosted by the Top 3 and 1st Sergeants Association.
Afterwards, Chief Cody was impressed with what he saw and had some encouraging words for the dorm residents. 

"You all are doing some great things in the dormitories. My initial impressions are that you all look good and that is great," Chief Cody said. 

In an interview with Chief Cody, he said that he thought Pope was on the right track in terms of the Base Realignment and Closure process. 

"I think the leadership team here has a good perspective on how we're moving forward. We just have to do that smartly. 

"Communication is the key to success to any BRAC action. As long as we keep our Airmen and community informed, work with mission partners and continue to look at the big picture, success is inevitable," the chief said. 

Chief Cody also was able to speak at the senior noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at the Pope Club Aug. 22. 

"It's always a highlight when you get to come to a base and be a part of these special functions. Senior NCO induction is a milestone in these Airmen's careers. I feel privileged and thankful for the invite for me to come address the senior NCOs," Chief Cody said. 

While the chief's visit was short, he left with a confirmed perspective of Pope and how it ties into the Air Force mission. 

"I think the Airmen here at Pope need to remember, even though we're going through BRAC, they are a vital part of our Air Force mission, we're going forward and changing some things. Our footprint will look different, but, our footprint will remain nonetheless," Chief Cody said.