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18th AF leaders confer at Dover

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  More than 100 senior leaders from 12 Air Mobility Command wings, three AMC groups, two expeditionary mobility task forces and the Tanker Airlift Control Center met here Tuesday through Thursday to discuss a variety of topics currently affecting the 18th Air Force.

The 18th Air Force Commanders and Command Chiefs Conference provided the numbered Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. James Hawkins, a forum to meet face to face with his component commanders, associated commanders and command chiefs to discuss his priorities and vision for the command's area of responsibility.

"We attended briefings and discussed a variety of topics ranging from operations, training and manpower to (Air Force Smart Operations) 21 metrics," said Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Blodgett, 436th Airlift Wing command chief. "Conference attendees spent nearly three days together hammering out valid approaches to a multitude of topics."

The event afforded commanders the opportunity to receive the latest first-hand information on a variety of topics.

Additionally, during the three-day event, General Hawkins met with his 18th Air Force command chiefs to discuss issues directly affecting the enlisted core.

"The chiefs, first sergeants and other senior-enlisted leaders are the primary link to the most significant part of the Air Force - our magnificent all-volunteer enlisted force," said General Hawkins. "I trust their advice, council and recommendations in making key leadership decisions."

Along with the numerous briefings and discussions, the group got the chance to tour the local area and participate in the 18th Air Force's Heritage Dinner hosted by the Air Mobility Command Museum here.

"The AMC Museum was truly the perfect venue for a magnificent Heritage Dinner and we could not have done it without the museum's support," said Col. Steven Harrison, 436th AW commander. "Team Dover really pulled out all the stops to weave the past, present and future of air mobility together with a sense of overwhelming pride in what it means to be an American Airman."

The Eagle Wing lived up to its reputation. While members from across the entire base proved to be excellent hosts, the Services, Civil Enineer and Communication Squadrons created perfect venues for the conference.The entire visit was first rate, which was one of the reasons Team Dover was chosen to host the event.

"Dover Air Force Base has the reputation of going above and beyond expectations in everything they do," said the general. "With the professionalism of Team Dover paired with the collegial atmosphere of the surrounding community, it's obvious that Dover was the perfect place to host the conference."

After visiting Dover and attending the conference, commanders and chiefs of the 18th Air Force, AMC's warfighting NAF, are better equipped with new and streamlined ideas to more efficiently execute future air-mobility taskings.

"I can't thank our men and women enough for their tremendous work and the lasting impression of Dover's excellence that they left with all of our guests," said Colonel Harrison.