USAFE command staff visits Spangdahlem AB

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  • By 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Spangdahlem Air Base welcomed Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, and his wife, Betty, as well as Chief Master Sgt. David W. Williamson, USAFE command chief, and his wife, Mary Williamson, March 2. The trip was General Welsh's first official visit to the base since his appointment to lead the major command.

General Welsh, Chief Williamson and their wives greeted a packed crowd in the Skelton Memorial Fitness Center during a commander's call where General Welsh addressed three major items: who he is, who Airmen are today and the mission.

After sharing some brief comments about his accompanying team, himself and his background, General Welsh transitioned into discussing USAFE Airmen and their importance across the Air Force.

"Everybody in this room is critically important, not just to what this wing does, but also to what the U.S. Air Force does, and you need to feel that way," General Welsh said. "When we walk around it feels like everybody does feel that way; it's really important to what we do."

While discussing Airmen in today's Air Force, General Welsh commented on the truth and giving honest opinions between levels in the individual units, the wing and the major command.

"In this business, if you don't tell the truth or if you don't come forward with the truth even when you're not asked sometimes, eventually people are going to get hurt and things are going to get broken," General Welsh said. "I can give you 100 examples off of the top of my head.

"But it's not just when asked a question, it's also when asked for your opinion," he said. "When someone asks you for your opinion, give it to them. If they ask for a recommendation, give them your recommendation. Supervisors make sure you're asking your people to do that. Commanders make sure you're encouraging your supervisors to do that."

General Welsh then discussed today's mission, as well as highlighted the role of family, how family life can contrast with that of the Air Force mission and why taking care of family is a top priority.

"All of us took the same oath. When it comes time to go to war, we're going," General Welsh said. "If we're doing something that supports the war, we'll get it done before we go home. But when we're not having those days, make sure you remind your family they're at the top of your priority list. It's really important."

As the USAFE commander, General Welsh also took a moment of the commander's call to stress the significance of partnerships and the coalition in today's military and why it's necessary for servicemembers to do what they can to strengthen those connections.

"Look at the partnerships we have in Europe: 35 of 43 nations in (International Security Assistance Force) right now are out of this region," he said. "(There are) unbelievable partnerships here in Germany. You guys are part of that partnership building and relation just living here, and that's critical to the strength of the U.S. Military and the U.S."

After the general's speech, Chief Williamson also spoke to Sabers about USAFE heritage, pride and the future, as well as the importance of keeping good lines of communication with leaders at all levels.

"We talk about pride a lot - I talk about pride a lot," Chief Williamson said. "It's important that we're proud of what we are, what we do and what we bring to the fight. We should be proud of this uniform, what it means and what it represents - what it means to be an Airman. You guys have it right here. Every where we've went and everyone we've met since we've gotten here has shown that pride."

Chief Williamson then took a moment to address combat readiness.

"I need you to be combat ready," he said. "When I talk about combat readiness, I'm talking about the overall concept - physically fit, technically competent, mentally prepared, psychologically and spiritually.

"Let's not forget one of the most important pieces, and that's the family readiness piece," he said. "We need to make sure our families are ready, as well. We have to be prepared - that's the nature of our Air Force these days. We are an expeditionary Air Force - we have to be prepared, and we need you to be combat ready."