ACEUR commander lauds role of USAFE GSUs in England

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Chuck Roberts
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) --  It was more than a year ago when the 501st Combat Support Wing stood up to provide better support for the seven geographically separated units in England.

During a recent visit, Lt. Gen. Robert D. Bishop Jr., the Air Command Europe commander responsible for organizing, training and equipping the 10 USAFE wings, saw firsthand how the newest USAFE wing has fared while visiting each GSU to see the mission and talk to the people. He liked what he saw.

"The Airmen and civilians of the 501st are a major part of the USAFE team and are playing a critical role in the Global War on Terrorism," said General Bishop, who is also the USAFE vice commander.

"It's a phenomenal sight when you stand there and witness these high-caliber professionals in action and observe what they achieve in vital areas such as communications, intelligence and munitions," the general said at the conclusion of his four-day visit to all seven GSUs spread across England.

The visited sites were Royal Air Forces Alconbury, Croughton, Fairford, Menwith Hill, Molesworth, Upwood and Welford. During his travels, General Bishop met with military leadership and numerous Airmen as well as visiting support functions such as medical clinics and community centers.

The 501st CSW, located at RAF Mildenhall, consists of more than 2,000 military and civilians performing diverse missions that include the operation and maintenance of a bomber forward operating location, communications access site, as well as providing support to U.S. European Command personnel who provide the analysis of intelligence data.

Col. Blake Lindner, the 501st CSW commander, said it was an honor to showcase the people under his command.

"We were thrilled that our ACEUR commander, who is concerned with the welfare of all USAFE wings, was able to get out and see all seven of our installations and the diverse, hi-impact missions that they perform," said Colonel Lindner. "He hosted four commander's calls with the troops and took Q&As after briefing his insights on what is happening in the Air Force, EUCOM, and USAFE.

"It was informative and motivational for our troops. General Bishop and his wonderful wife really resonated with our young Airmen. Their insights were invaluable, whether the topic was how we will succeed in force structuring or diverse quality of life issues such as housing, commissaries and chaplain programs. We hope they took away the sense of pride we have in supporting the ongoing GWOT efforts and the fact our folks are working some very high impact and high visibility issues."