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Acting SecAF Fanning meets Team MacDill

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Continuing his tour campaign to speak with Airmen, advocate their concerns and explain future force objectives, Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning made a stop to engage Team MacDill, Aug. 29.

Fanning, upon becoming the acting SecAF in June and having served as the Undersecretary of the Air Force since April, has been making his way to as many bases as possible, to get a first-hand look at the missions and people who make up the Air Force.

During his tour, Fanning visited the 6th Security Forces Squadron's marine patrol unit, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, the KC-135 Stratotanker, boom simulators, and the MacDill Area Resilience Center.

"I think it's awesome that SecAF Fanning wanted to meet with the Airmen of MacDill," commented Tech. Sgt. Lamar Daniel, 91st Air Refueling Squadron boom operator and simulator instructor. "It's important for our decision makers to see what happens at the ground-level and during our daily operations."

One of the key intentions of the tour was to meet with Airmen and answer their questions. Fanning ended by gathering the masses for a 6th Air Mobility Wing "all-call."

On Fanning's agenda was spreading a message that detailed leadership's diligence to resolve budget issues, trending sexual assault problems, and how we need to tell the "Airman's story."

During the event, Airmen asked Fanning for clarification on the war in Afghanistan, sequestration, a possible Air Force drawdown and military benefits.

Fanning stated, leadership is doing everything in their power to meet the needs of the Airman. But, with the looming budget issues he emphasized the need to work together. "Staying flexible and resilient will be a must," said Fanning.

Prior to his departure, Fanning reiterated two vital points--taking care of one another and bracing for the days of uncertainty.

"The Air Force is a resilient organization when it is focused on something and it knows how to figure out the solution," said Fanning. "We need to take care of our Wingman and increase our efforts during this trying time."