COMUSAFE addresses USAFE-AFAFRICA staff

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, addressed hundreds of USAFE-AFAFRICA staff members during two all calls here Feb. 4.

During each all call, Breedlove, accompanied by Chief Master Sgt. Craig A. Adams, USAFE-AFAFRICA command chief, covered numerous topics including the updated command vision and mission, potential impacts of sequestration, command results of the Air Force Health and Welfare Inspection, and Every Airman a Sensor.

The general said the vision and mission have not significantly changed, but now include an emphasis on Africa.

He went on to explain how sequestration, if it happens, will impact the command.

"We think (sequestration) could result in a 22 percent reduction to our budget, which means flying could stop as much as two-and-a-half-months before the end of the year," Breedlove said.

The general also said two exercises were cancelled due to budgetary concerns. Additionally, a near-term pre-sequestration action could bring a civilian hiring freeze that would impact U.S. and local national employees. If a civilian hiring freeze is implemented, Breedlove said, civilians can still be promoted, reassigned and exercise return rights to the U.S.

"The bottom-line is, if sequestration happens, it will fundamentally change the way we fund this command and the things we are able to do," Breedlove said.

After explaining the impacts sequestration may have on the command, Breedlove spoke about the Air Force Health and Welfare Inspection. The inspection was directed by Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Air Force Chief of Staff, in an effort to emphasize an environment of respect, trust and professionalism. The USAFE-AFAFRICA portion of the inspection was completed on Dec. 10, 2012.

"I think what our Chief of Staff did was incredibly brave," Breedlove said. "Our chief took a bold step toward setting the conditions for ensuring we have the right environment and attitude in our Air Force in regards to how we treat each other."

The goal of the inspection was to ensure all Airmen benefit from a healthy work environment and an atmosphere of respect.

"We've come a long way in our Air Force, but we still have a long way to go. We are not where we need to be yet," the general said. "It's about respect."

Adams shared Breedlove's sentiment.

"We need to look at (the Air Force) as a family business, we're tightly knitted by what we do," he said. "We need to treat each other with respect and make our work environments safe and productive for our folks."

Breedlove also challenged civilians and Airmen to continue working to create an environment that enables success.

"What happens from here on out is on us, we need to figure out how to move this ball down the field," he said, "We've got the first 10 yards down, but there's many more yards to go."

Breedlove and Adams also recognized 73 Airmen selected for promotion and seven officers selected for squadron command assignments.

The general and chief closed the event by thanking the USAFE-AFAFRICA staff for all they do.

"Thank you for what you're doing, for what you've done, and for your service. I also thank your families for their sacrifice. I can't tell you how proud I am to be a part of this team," Adams said.