Third Air Force commander visits RAF Mildenhall Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachel Waller
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc, 3rd Air Force commander, visited RAF Mildenhall Nov. 4 to meet with Airmen from the 100th Air Refueling Wing and thank them for their direct contributions to the NATO-led Operation Unified Protector.

Since March 19, the 100th ARW had an active role in the seven-month long operation.

During the operation, the wing provided fuel to both U.S. and NATO aircraft, extending the reach of coalition partners and helping enforce the United Nations Security Council resolution 1973.

The 351st Air Refueling Squadron had off-loaded fuel to more than 4,000 receivers during the operation.

Airmen from the 351st ARS, 100th Operations Support Squadron, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 100th Security Forces Squadron forward deployed to Western Europe in support of OUP.

Between deployed and garrison locations, the base generated six to eight sorties per day to supply fuel to the warfighters.

Gorenc said there will never be a decrease in demand for KC-135 Stratotankers and the mission they provide, and no refueling wing tops the 100th ARW.

In addition to hearing RAF Mildenhall contributions, the general also toured a variety of facilities including the 100th OSS air traffic control tower, 100th Logistic Readiness Squadron vehicle operations and fuel processing, 100th Communications Squadron, and 100th Maintenance Squadron.

Gorenc also dined with top-performing Airmen from across the wing where he explained his leadership style.

"I want to create Airmen that understand their mission," said Gorenc. "I want to create Airmen that accomplish their mission safe, that are disciplined. I want to create Airmen that have leadership, not management, in mind. Those are the basics that I try to bring into my leadership style and make sure that I am creating Airmen that are being developed to be adaptable.

"As a commander, I want to make sure everybody's developed. As an individual, you need to take advantage of these opportunities," added Gorenc.

One Airman commented about his time with the general.

"I think the lunch was informative," said Staff Sgt. Kareem Edwards, 100th Maintenance Operations Squadron maintenance analyst. "General Gorenc gave his views on different topics and I think that the lunch was worthwhile."

To end his visit, Gorenc offered his thanks to the men and women of the 100th ARW.

"Operation Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector are a feather in the hat of the U.S. military, particularly the U.S. Air Force," said Gorenc. "The majority of the assets came from Europe, from the nine wings I supervise and it was spectacular."