Senior Leaders visit HAW

  • Published
  • By Capt. William Russell
  • USAFE - AFAFRICA Public Affairs
Pápa Air Base, Hungary --  The U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Africa commander and command chief visited Pápa Air Base Jan. 7 to meet with the multi-national team and U.S. Airmen assigned to the Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW).

The HAW is the operational arm of the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) consortium made up of airmen from 12 countries operating C-17 aircraft in response to SAC nations' mission requirements. Operations include national support to the European Union, United Nations and NATO. Missions include peacekeeping and humanitarian relief efforts wherever and whenever needed by partner nations.

The United States is the largest contributor to the HAW with a staff of 50 military and civilian personnel working in the Heavy Airlift Wing.

Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Craig A. Adams, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa command chief, made their first visit to Pápa AB since taking over the major command in 2012.

Both senior leaders talked with several NATO and NATO Partnership for Peace members involved with the HAW's strategic airlift mission, and lauded U.S. Air Force Col. Keith P. Boone, Heavy Airlift Wing commander, and the unit for ensuring its full operational capability in Nov. 2012 and surpassing 9,000 flight hours in Dec. 2012.

During his two-day visit, Breedlove and Adams received a briefing on the operations of the HAW and met the wing personnel who deliver airlift capability whenever and wherever it is needed by the 12 nations.

While visiting, Cindy Breedlove, Gen. Breedlove's wife, spent time meeting spouses and visiting the Pápa community hospital, kindergarten, multi-cultural center and the support facilitates pivotal to Airmen and their family members.

The USAFE-AFAFRICA commander also hosted a U.S. Airman's 'all call' to praise the Airmen and discuss quality of life issues affecting them and their families living in Pápa. Topics ranged from time on station, cost of living allowance and medical care.

"First, thank you for what you're doing here ... this mission and what you've done here is absolutely staggering," said the general.

It also gave Breedlove an opportunity to discuss two topics he addresses with all Airmen across the command, stopping sexual assaults and preventing suicides among fellow Airmen.
Breedlove said sometimes the best defense is a good offense - it's all about prevention and being a part of the solution. Airmen...enlisted, officer and civilian alike ... are uniquely positioned and key to saving lives and stopping sexual assaults.

"We can do this by stepping up, stepping in and being a sensor," he said.

Breedlove then invited the command chief to the stage, who lauded the hard work of the HAW Airmen.

"Thanks for what you're doing, for being mission-focused; and most importantly, thanks for doing it safely," said Adams. "Continue to do your best every day. I'm extremely proud to serve alongside you."

Breedlove reinforced his appreciation for the hard work of the men and women at the HAW.

"It would be my honor to shake everyone's hand, and personally thank you for a job well done," he said.