USAFE commander visits Aviano

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The U.S. Air Forces in Europe's top brass visited Aviano Air Base Jan. 10 to 11 to learn firsthand about the base's mission, vision and priorities as well as to meet with its Airmen.

This was Gen. Mark A. Welsh III's first official visit to a USAFE wing since his assumption of command Dec. 13 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

"I am lucky enough to work here with you now in U.S. Air Forces in Europe," General Welsh told Airmen during his stay on base.

General Welsh and Chief Master Sgt. David Williamson, USAFE command chief, accompanied by their wives, visited various base organizations including the 510th Fighter Squadron, 603rd Air Control Squadron, 31st Security Forces Squadron, 31st Force Support Squadron, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron, 31st Comptroller Squadron and more.

Additionally, General Welsh hosted a commander's call Jan. 10 at the Personnel Alert Holding Area, where he talked briefly about the Air Force Chief of Staff's priorities, USAFE goals and priorities, and various personnel issues.

"Think of where you fit in these priorities because you do," General Welsh said. "This wing plays a role in several of them."

General Welsh also discussed USAFE's No. 1 priority -- partnering to win today's fight.

"I believe that jointness is the only way America is going to fight successfully in the United States military," he said. "I have absolutely no time for people arguing about Army versus Air Force versus Navy versus Marine Corps. Together we're unbelievably good."

"I believe that each one of you is critically important to what we do," General Welsh continued. "I'm no more important in USAFE than you are. You are no more important than the person standing next to you. You are critically important and you deserve to be treated as such; every one of you. Please don't forget that."

General Welsh encouraged Aviano Airmen to reach out to their subordinates and others.

"Folks, every Airman has a story," he said. "They are incredible stories; they are inspiring, sad, happy, motivating and uplifting. Learn the story."

The general also formally introduced the command's highest enlisted leader, Chief Williamson, to Team Aviano.

"I couldn't be prouder to be on the same team as everyone standing in this room," Chief Williamson said. "We've toured the base a little bit today -- met a number of Airmen. What you do here, 31st Fighter Wing, is absolutely incredible. The successes you have and the manner in which you perform is absolutely mind-boggling, so congratulations with that. You should be proud of what you do."

The general and command chief closed the briefing by answering questions from Aviano Airmen.

As the USAFE commander, General Welsh is responsible for Air Force activities, conducted through 3rd Air Force, in an area of operations covering almost one-fifth of the globe. This area includes 51 countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans with total population reaching nearly one billion people.