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AMC command chief focuses on Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kali L. Gradishar
  • 92nd ARW Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  In his visit to Fairchild this week, Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Barron, Air Mobility Command's command chief master sergeant, made an exceptional effort to thank every Airman he came in contact with for their service to our nation.

"It is talking to our Airmen and seeing the great things they are doing here at Fairchild and the huge contributions they are making to our Air Force," Chief Barron said was the highlight of his visit.

Chief Barron had the opportunity to meet with Airmen during several stages of his visit. He was also able to attend the 11th Annual Chiefs Induction Ceremony and tour base facilities, such as the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron's Snow Barn, some of the 92nd Maintenance Squadron's capabilities, the renovation of wing headquarters and the Expeditionary Airmen's Center of Excellence.

The AMC command chief focused on the value of Airmen and the importance of communicating with them to see how their lives can be improved and to thank them for what they do.

The chief also wanted to hear about any concerns the Airmen may have had. Potential concerns included force shaping and mission-essential retraining.

"Force shaping increases the Air Force's overall capabilities," said Chief Barron. "Some career fields may be critically manned, while others may be over-manned. It is necessary to find a balancing point so the Air Force is better prepared and more capable of using the available resources in an effective manner," he said.

"When you're talking about force shaping, you're talking about doing things smarter with the resources that you have," he said.

"The driving force for retraining is the amount of people in particular career fields. The Air Force is trying to meet the needs of critically-manned fields," said the chief. "The Air Force looks at the quality factors of Airmen, their Enlisted Performance Reports, and how the Airman stands among his or her peers.

Chief Barron also communicated the great importance of recognizing Airmen, which is the theme of this week's Roll Call.

"I'm here, to say thanks," he said, "and to let our folks know what a huge difference they are making in the defense of our country, and the impact that they have in this Global War on Terror and protecting our freedom."

"I really want to thank everybody here at Team Fairchild for what they do for our country and for our Air Force, and for giving me the opportunity to come here," said Chief Barron. "The base is inspiring, the Airmen are inspiring, and you are making a huge difference to our Air Force."