New COMUSAFE explains road ahead

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristopher Levasseur
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
RAF LAKENHEATH, England --  Hundreds of Liberty Warriors gathered at the base gym Feb. 1 to welcome the new USAFE commander, Gen. Roger A. Brady, to RAF Lakenheath.

During his first visit to the U.K. as USAFE commander, General Brady gave Airmen a thumbnail view of how USAFE and Lakenheath fit into the Air Force mission. He discussed three USAFE priorities, which include winning today, building for tomorrow and preparing Airmen always.

While discussing the priority of winning today, General Brady said USAFE is directly involved in the fight with more than 2,600 Airmen deployed, 28 air contingencies in CENTCOM and continual air policing support for NATO.

In addition to winning today, the general said, Airman have to prepare for tomorrow.

"In all cases, we have to make sure that all Airmen are prepared to move forward," he said. "The most important thing that all of us have to do is to continue to develop ourselves and train our replacements."

The general then discussed the priority of building for tomorrow. He stressed the importance of AFSO 21 and commended USAFE Airmen for their efforts.

"It is incredibly important for us to use the dollars that we have in the best way we can," said General Brady. "AFSO 21 is about making the place where you are better; it is about doing things better. If AFSO 21 is just another thing to do, then we are not doing it right."

General Brady added that an important part of AFSO 21 is listening to Airmen at the basic level of activity.

While discussing the final priority, preparing Airmen always, the general stressed taking care of Airmen personally and professionally.

General Brady encouraged officers and NCOs to mentor Airmen and to stress the importance of taking advantage of the education and development opportunities the Air Force affords them.

The commander also mentioned the importance of fitness. He said that Airmen need to be not only physically fit, but also mentally and financially fit.

General Brady discussed his plans for USAFE's quality of life programs.

"One of the things I want to do is make USAFE a microcosm for how we look at the broader Air Force," General Brady told Airmen. "I'm going to find out from you what the most important quality of life initiatives are."

General Brady said he wants USAFE to focus on what will ensure that Air Force families can grow and develop.

"The quality of life I am concerned about is the quality of life that makes it possible for you to stay with us and serve," said General Brady. "The programs and the processes that make the difference are the ones I am interested in advancing."

In closing, the general discussed his personal feelings on taking command of USAFE.

"I am really excited about commanding USAFE," said General Brady. "I am humbled by this opportunity and I want to hear from you. I want your view on how to do things better."