USAFE leaders visit RAF Mildenhall

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tabitha Lee
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England --  The U.S. Air Forces Europe commander and command chief visited Royal Air Force Mildenhall Airmen Jan. 19, to express their gratitude and discuss upcoming changes to the Air Force.

RAF Mildenhall's contributions to Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector were highlighted during the visit.

"This last year, you guys have done phenomenal stuff. The biggest reason the Chief and I are coming through is just to say 'thanks,'" said Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, USAFE commander. "This wing was pretty darn heavily tasked this last year, and you have done some things that are spectacular. Thank you for, when it really mattered, doing your job as well as you always do."

Welsh's accolades went out to every member of the team.

"In my mind, the mission of everyone in any organization that does flying is to support the generation of combat sorties; because in some way, shape or form, you're contributing to it," said Welsh.

The general also congratulated the 100th Air Refueling Wing for exceeding expectations in 2011.

"You guys flew almost 310 percent of your flying-hour program this last year. That's pretty impressive," said Welsh. "The 100th ARW flew about 2,000 sorties, and off-loaded more than 100 million pounds of gas. One-hundred million pounds of gas! You can't get your arms around that one; it's fantastic."

The general and the chief addressed some changes that were unveiled in the defense strategy document, "Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st Century Defense," earlier this month.

The global strategy for the United States was recently re-worked in Washington D.C. and Welsh concentrated on what that means for USAFE.

The general said that the strategic partnership in Europe is complex and that America's leaders have assured the country that, as always, America-European relations will continue to evolve and adapt.

The commander stressed that there are some things that will always require an Air Force presence in Europe, like mobility, contingency basing, and command and control of air activity.
"The most important thing we have to do is be ready," said Welsh.

Promoting efficiencies was a big topic that Chief Master Sgt. David Williamson, USAFE command chief, talked about with Airmen.

The chief let Airmen know that force management measures aren't going to stop. He said there are many voluntary and involuntary measures for both enlisted and officers, and the civilian workforce is undergoing force shaping, as well.

"The bottom line is, there is an impact to you," said Williamson.

During the visit, Welsh and Williamson toured the air control tower, fuels management flight and aircraft inspection area to speak with Airmen.

While at the inspection area, Tech. Sgt. Brian Starcevich, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant aircraft section chief, and his wife Sandra, were surprised when General Welsh promoted Starcevich to the rank of master sergeant through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.

"It was awesome," said the stunned, newly promoted master sergeant.

"Master Sergeant Starcevich is the heart and soul of the squadron's aircraft section," said Lt. Col. Joseph Giuliani, 100th AMXS commander. "He and his family dedicate so much of their energies, both on and off duty, to making the section and this squadron better by putting others before themselves and taking care of people. The entire squadron is thrilled he was selected because we all know how hard he works for us. It was an incredible moment."

To conclude his visit, Welsh re-emphasized that with all the changes, the U.S. Air Force will remain the world's greatest air power.

"All this stuff that's around us right now with the budget cuts and the discussions of downsizing is not going to change the fact that this will be the best Air Force in the world, in the future, just like it is today," said Welsh.