USAFE commander, command chief visit ‘Lik’

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tim Beckham
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Incirlik Air Base, Turkey --  General Tom Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Gary Coleman, USAFE command chief, visited Team Incirlik Dec. 20 to meet the Airmen, answer questions about the future of USAFE and wish the men and women here a happy holiday.

"First of all, I want to wish you all a happy holiday season and tell you I'm proud to work with each and every one of you every day," said General Hobbins.

The general talked about future operations for USAFE, saying in 2007 and 2008 we will be conducting engagement operations in Bulgaria and South Africa.

"Our ability to provide fuels, supplies and create relations with other countries is key," he said. "Incirlik's access is very important for our engagement with air operability and the Global War on Terror -- you are a big part of our vision, and mission-wise you are delivering."

General Hobbins also discussed manpower reductions.

"Our Air Staff has directed the Program Budget Decision 720 manpower reductions, which will affect all functional areas," he said. "A lot of my headquarters staff will be reduced over the next few years, and some reductions will have to come from the wing level."

Another topic was Air Force Smart Ops 21 initiatives. The general encouraged every Airman to find smarter ways of accomplishing the mission.

"When I ask you about AFSO 21, I ask you to look for ways that can help make your job easier and more efficient," said General Hobbins. "I don't like the fact that our people are working an average of 51 hours a week, so Airmen at all levels need to focus on how we can streamline our processes."

In addition to focusing on AFSO 21 initiatives, the general and chief also had a special opportunity to surprise a Team Incirlik member by ending their Airmen's Call with a STEP promotion.

Staff Sgt. Penni Williams, 39th Security Forces Squadron, was pulled up on stage, only to find out that she had been selected for the Stripes for Exceptional Performance program, which promoted her to technical sergeant on the spot.

"These are the things I really enjoy doing," said General Hobbins after tacking Sergeant Williams' new chevrons on.

The general wrapped up his visit by handing over the microphone to the USAFE band, telling Team Incirlik to "have a good time and keep making us proud."

"Team Incirlik and I really appreciate General Hobbins and Chief Coleman visiting our little village with a big mission," said Col. "Tip" Stinnette, 39th Air Base Wing commander. "We are proud to contribute to the USAFE mission and be members of such a great team."