USAFE-AFAFRICA commander addresses Liberty Wing

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Trevor T. McBride
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The new U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, Gen. Frank Gorenc shared his perspective on Air Force changes and the importance of the 48th Fighter Wing during a visit to RAF Lakenheath, Sept. 11-12.

Gorenc assumed command of USAFE-AFAFRICA Aug. 2. He is responsible for Air Force activities in an area covering more than 19 million square miles and 104 countries in Europe and Africa, including the 48th FW.

During his visit, he emphasized the importance of the 48th FW's mission in today's Air Force.

"The 48th Fighter Wing is incredibly important in the sense that they are the combat-ready, deployable forces that we use not only in Europe, but worldwide," said Gorenc. "The capabilities that rest here allow us to build partnership capacity in Europe and all over the world."

As his visit fell on the anniversary of 9/11, Gorenc reflected on changes in the Air Force since then. He explained how 9/11 has caused Airmen from different career fields to sacrifice and deploy more as part of the Global War on Terror.

"That single event required us to change the way we operate from the air," said Gorenc. "We had to develop tactics, techniques and procedures that supported all of those people that were on the ground executing the Global War on Terror."

As to how Airmen and their families will overcome new fiscal challenges and change, Gorenc highlighted Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh's vision of, "The world's greatest Air Force powered by Airmen, fueled by innovation."

In the past, the Air Force has dealt with many changes that have caused Airmen stress and uncertainty. To cope with today's changes, Gorenc offers three principles of advice: "trust your leadership, respect your peers and mentor your subordinates."

"Trust that your leadership is working hard to get the mission done and alleviate pressure on our force," said Gorenc. "Respect each other and recognize that each member of our Air Force contributes directly to our mission execution."

"Mentoring subordinates is one thing that hasn't changed during our entire 66 years as an Air Force. We have to develop and nurture their capabilities and get them ready for the Air Force not only tomorrow, but also five years from now, 10 years from now and even 20 years from now," added Gorenc.

These principles can be applied to the recent changes in the Air Force fitness program.

"The new fitness assessment changes we have made will be the best way to more forward," said the general. "All of our Airman need to recognize the fact that being fit is important not only to themselves, but to the mission."

Gorenc emphasized his messages to the USAFE-AFAFRICA Airmen during his commander's call.

"In times of change if you hold onto these three principles in the execution of your duties, you'll weather the changes in spectacular ways," he said. "In the end, there will always be room for great Airmen in our Air Force."