17th Air Force Commander visits 110th AOG

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Alec Lloyd
  • 110th Air Operations Group Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Maj. Gen. Ronald Ladnier, commander of 17th Air Force, made his first visit to Battle Creek Air National Guard Base to meet with members of the 110th Air Operations Group and tour its facilities Oct. 3. General Ladnier held a series of briefings with key leaders, including Adjutant General for the State of Michigan Maj. Gen. Thomas G. Cutler, and then met with the individual squadrons.

Seventeenth Air Force, also known is U.S. Air Forces Africa, is located at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and is deeply integrated with the AOG. Many AOG members have already served with AFAFRICA, either at Ramstein AB or on deployment farther afield. General Ladnier recognized outstanding performers during his visit and gave them his coin to signify their achievements.

The relationship between an overseas active duty headquarters and a National Guard unit is unique, and General Ladnier declared himself fully satisfied with the results thus far. He noted that his background in Air Mobility Command - which uses a high amount of Guard assets - made him very comfortable with utilizing Guard members.

"One thing I've noticed about Guard units is that they bring tremendous enthusiasm to real-world missions," General Ladnier said. He said that energy in turn was passed on to the active duty members, enhancing overall morale and effectiveness.

Staff Sgt. Cana Garrison of the 110th Air Support Squadron served with the 17th Air Force at Ramstein for eight weeks over the summer.

"It was great to see first-hand the integration between the 17th and the 110th AOG, and I was glad to be one of the first members to go there," Sergeant Garrison said. "The quality of the partnership between the 17th and the 110th AOG was shown by how well and how quickly we are able to integrate. The dynamics of an organization start from the top, and General Ladnier clearly leads the way."

General Ladnier also stressed how non-commissioned officers are contributing to the 17th Air Force mission in Africa, particularly in helping increase the capabilities of African air forces.

"African countries don't ask me to help them find officers," he said. "What really impresses them are our NCOs with their professionalism and leadership. They are learning that NCOs are the secret to their success and they want to learn how to create their own cadre of enlisted leaders."

While on base, General Ladnier also spoke with local media about the partnership between AFAFRICA and the AOG - and its long term implications for the base and the Battle Creek community.

"I think this will be a great partnership and we will continue to grow together," he said.

At the conclusion of the duty day, the AOG held an informal reception off-base for the General.

AOG Commander Col. David San Clemente said the visit was a complete success and thanked group members for their professionalism, dedication and excitement.

"It was distinct pleasure to host General Ladnier," he said. "Our active duty commander was able to visit with members throughout the unit and spent Saturday evening chatting with 110th members at an AOG-hosted social. General Ladnier conveyed his excitement at the growing partnership and looked forward to our future integration."