4/11/2013 - Lt. Gen. A. Craig Franklin, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander greets Airmen who are deployed to Southwest Europe in support of French operations in Mali April 8, 2013. Franklin spoke with Airmen about the work they have accomplished and recognized outstanding performers. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard/Released) (Photo masked for security purposes)

4/11/2013 - Lt. Gen. Craig A. Franklin, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, and Staff Sgt. Anthony Sportsman, 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Aircrew Flight Equipment craftsman, discuss the mission of Sportsman’s work section April 8, 2013, at a location in Southwest Europe. Sportsman, originally from Springfield, Mo., talked with Franklin during his visit with the deployed Airmen who currently support French operations in Mali. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard/Released)

4/11/2013 - Lt. Gen. Craig A. Franklin, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, talks with Tech. Sgt. Derek Doriott, 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Communications Focal Point NCOIC, April 8, 2013, about the support the communications focal point offers deployed members in Southwest Europe. Doriott, who is from Webster, Wis., was recognized, along with the rest of his duty section for their hard work keeping the 351st EARS connected while away from their home stations. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard/Released)

4/11/2013 - Lt. Gen. Craig A. Franklin, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, talks to Airmen of the 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron April 9, 2013, during a visit to the deployed location in Southwest Europe. Franklin was on station to evaluate the 351st EARS’ assets and capabilities in addition to talking with Airmen in the unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard/Released)