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General McNabb visits Andersen AFB

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Tom Piott
  • 734th Air Mobility Squadron
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  General Duncan McNabb, Air Mobility Command commander, visited Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, accompanied by his wife, Linda, and four other general officers from the Headquarters AMC staff March 15. The visit was part of an Air Mobility Command Pacific en route system tour that included stops at Kadena AB, Okinawa; Osan AB, Korea; and Hickam AFB, Hawaii.

During his Andersen visit, General McNabb spoke with air mobility professionals from the 734th Air Mobility Squadron, the 44th Aerial Port Squadron, and the 128th Air Refueling Wing deployed with the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron tanker task force.

During his commander’s call, the general highlighted squadron members for excellence in the mobility mission, in safety, in service, and in family support. General McNabb pinned end-of-tour decorations on Master Sgt. Todd Bradley, Staff Sgt. Mike Leard, Staff Sgt. Niavasha Slade, and Senior Airman Scott Haithcoat. He also presented an Air Force commendation medal to Staff Sgt. Matt Updegrave for an act of courage during a recent lifesaving incident at Apra Harbor. Additionally, the general administered the re-enlistment oath to Master Sgt. Gil Hernandez.

General McNabb presented letters of appreciation to key spouses Andrea Rast, Tracey Hires, Danyel Piott, and Danielle Koenigstein and key spouse advisors Leslie Boone and Jennifer Hayslett. In his comments, the AMC commander emphasized the importance of what Airmen do today for freedom around the world, calling today’s Airmen the new “Greatest Generation.” He also conveyed deep admiration and appreciation for the “stay at home warriors,” the families of Team Andersen.

The general’s visit included a tour of the 734th AMS Maintenance section, Aerial Port section, and command and control facilities and unit dormitory. The United States Department of Agriculture provided an “up close and personal” look at Guam’s Brown Tree Snake containment procedures, as the snake-sniffing dog “Gromit” demonstrated his ability to locate and point out a snake in a cargo pallet.

During a “mobility forum” luncheon hosted by the Airlift / Tanker Association, Logistics Officers’ Association, National Defense Transportation Association, and 734th AMS Top 4, General McNabb spoke of the pride American citizens have in the military, and thanked Guam Chamber of Commerce Armed Forces Committee Chairman Carl Peterson for the community support given to the bases. The general also gave his strong endorsement of total force operations, recognizing the importance of units such as the 128th ARW, Wisconsin Air National Guard; the 44th APS, Air Force Reserve Command, and the Guam National Guard.

In a meeting with 36th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander Col. Michael Boera, the general expressed his appreciation for the exceptional working relationship between the 734th AMS and the 36th AEW. He underscored the growing importance of Andersen as the cornerstone of Pacific strategic planning, and he recognized many issues that cross command boundaries, including quality of life areas like airfare cost.

Before departing, the general and his party were treated to a fiesta at Sirena Beach celebrating Chamorro history month and were greeted by Melissa Savares, mayor of the 734th AMS sister village Dededo. The evening concluded with several island dance routines performed by local children.