SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein visited Spangdahlem Air Base, July 19, 2019, to meet with base leaders, to host an all call, and to attend an official ceremony.
Goldfein attended a luncheon at the base dining facility with squadron commanders and superintendents from the 52nd Fighter Wing, before meeting with all Sabers to discuss ongoing Air Force initiatives and the base’s significance in the overall Air Force mission.
The General said he wanted squadron leaders to know he trusted their leadership, and they were picked for command of their squadrons because of the training they had received. He continued by saying squadron-level command offers commanders a unique position to serve in a high level of leadership and still be able to know all the individual Airmen in their units. Squadron leaders are responsible for setting the culture of their organizations and for defining what it means to be a valued member of their particular squadron.
After the lunch, Goldfein, who was the wing commander at Spangdahlem AB from 2004 to 2006, conducted an all call here in Hangar 1.
“We have been driving on three particular issues: fixing our fighting formation; developing the leadership and the talent you need for the future, and multi-domain operations, connecting this force so you have so many options, you can overwhelm an adversary, and there is nothing they can do about it,” Goldfein said, during the call.
Goldfein also stressed the importance of squadron and Air Force culture.
He said it is important for service members to feel valued and part of a high-powered team doing important work that is far bigger than themselves.
The General continued by encouraging Airmen to ensure they maintain a healthy work-life balance.
The chief of staff said the best thing he could do when at home, is be at home, both mentally and physically. He encouraged Airmen to discipline themselves to spend quality time at home, and leave work at work, and when at work, give the Air Force their all.
The former 52nd FW commander also took time during his visit to thank a German civil service employee, Klaus Rodens, who has given the U.S. Air Force his all – dedicating much of his life to serving Spangdahlem AB and its Airmen, including local national employees.
The General attended a reception and retirement ceremony for Rodens, 25-year president of the 52nd FW Works Committee, 22-year employee of the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron and mayor of Spangdahlem Village, Germany.
Goldfein concluded the visit by thanking service members.
“Let me just say to each of you, thank you,” Goldfein said. “Thank you for choosing to serve when your nation needs you most. I for one cannot tell you how proud I am to serve with each and every one of you."