3 AF, 17 AEF leaders visit Aviano, host all call

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. R.J. Biermann
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Lt. Gen. Timothy Ray, 3rd Air Force and 17th Air Expeditionary Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kaleth Wright, 3rd AF and 17th EAF command chief, visited Aviano Air Base, Italy, March 21, 2016.

In his first visit to Aviano, Ray toured the base, met with Airmen and hosted an all call to thank Team Aviano members for their proven track record of generating airpower at a moment's notice.

"I brag about how we asked the 510th Fighter Squadron to go to Turkey and in six days, they were fulfilling the mission," said Ray. "You all had a piece in that."

During the all call, Ray urged Airmen to realize the important role they have in mission success.

"Think about why you come to work every day," said Ray. "Is it for the benefits? Is it just a job? Or are you here to be part of something great? You are very unique in this crazy world and everyone depends on you."

In an interview with 31st Fighter Wing public affairs, Ray discussed the evolution of the 31st FW mission and the future basing of the F-35 Lightning II in Europe.

"The F-35 program is going pretty well," said Ray. "The Italians are our partners in this. They have the final assembly capability. Having a lot of people involved shows commitment to the program. We and our Italian partners will work together to sustain operations."

To sum up his thoughts about Airmen with integrity, Ray shared a personal phrase that he coined when he was a squadron commander.

"Talent is interesting, but character is everything," said Ray. "We put so much stock in talent, but talent doesn't get you through. Things aren't always going to be easy, and when they're hard you have to have character and selflessness.

"The Core Values are foundational to everything we do, and the way we do things is incredibly important," he continued.

According to Ray, Aviano Airmen must remain ready for one very important reason.

"American airpower is going to get called on again and again," he said. "In the end, that is the product being built here and it's the envy of the world. Everyone depends on us and air superiority. I can't tell you what's going to happen in 2016, but I can tell you there will be air and space superiority, command and control, rapid global mobility, strike and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance."

Before departing, Ray thanked attendees for their hard work and dedication.

"It's been so great to be here," said Ray. "It was great to meet with Airmen and to hear their issues. Thank you for your amazing performance. It's humbling to watch what you do each and everyday."