USAFE commander thanks Sabers for their service

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Anderson
  • American Forces Network Detachment 9
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Retiring U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, Gen. William T. Hobbins, took the time to visit Spangdahlem Air Base to discuss the wing's contributions to the major command and the Air Force mission, Dec. 5.

The general spoke to members of the base during a commander's call to personally congratulate them on their tremendous accomplishments during his tenure.

"During the last two years (Sabers) have done some remarkable things," he said. "Their number of sorties has been in excess of 2,800. We have had 2,400 Sabers deployed in the war on terror to various places, and they have continued to amaze me with their dedication. Their performance is world class and it is all about the team."

During the commander's call, the general also gave a heartfelt "thank you" to sabers and his fellow Airmen for all of their hard work.

"I always think about how humbled I am to have served with the men and women of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe," General Hobbins said. "It is the things that I see when we go out and do the mission with them. It is the performance that gets us at the top of our game. It is everyday people making scarifies that make a difference in the lives of others. It is so self rewarding when you think about what a difference you make."

General Hobbins officially retires in February after 38 years of Air Force service.