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SecAF visits Team Dover

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Larlee
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James visited Team Dover Jan. 10, 2013, to tour the base and interact with Airmen.

During her visit, James toured the aerial port, the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, and got a close look at the C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17A Globemaster III.

James, who was sworn into her position Dec. 20, 2013 as the 23rd secretary, welcomed the opportunity to visit Dover and see this "very strong mission" first hand.

James started the all-call by introducing herself and talking about the journey to her current post.

Her dream job was to become a diplomat for the State Department. But to her dismay, she didn't receive a job offer after graduating from college. This forced her to apply for other jobs, which led to a position withthe Department of the Army as a civil servant.

After getting past her disappointment of her first plan falling through, she seized another opportunity, which is an appropriate lesson for today's Air Force. With budget constraints and a transition from a 12-year war, the old ways of doing things are not going to work.

"Change is going to stay with us," she said "We have to change to remain competitive and relevant. Given the deficits and the debt we have got to tighten our belts. We have to demonstrate that we are delivering value to the tax payers."

James said that a major focus for her is people. She believes the best equipment and technology in the world is worthless without the right people using it, therefore recruiting, retaining and shaping people is very high on her list of priorities.

The future force shaping cuts--up to 25,000 personnel over the next five years-- are an effort to ensure the Air Force has the right personnel in the right positions, she added. Information early and often will help Airmen through this, but they will need leaders knowledgeable on the programs as well. "If you are a leader go on the offense and learn what category your people are in and what that means," she said. "That way you can give them advice and help them through this transition period."

James said even though the Air Force is transforming it will remain a key part of national security and her role is to go to ensure the nation's decision makers know what we bring to the fight

"The Air Force is absolutely critical to everything that goes on in the military today," she said. "Our future, though challenging, will be bright.

I am going to work hard to represent you and your interests and defend what needs to be defended. It is important to tell our story so it is clear to those who are reviewing our budgets and policies."

James said every Airman has a critical part in making the Air Force what it is and it was a privilege to spend time with Team Dover Airmen.

"Regardless of where you are and what you do, you are central to everything that goes on," she said. "I have learned so much and am very impressed with all that you do here."