Global Strike commander visits Ellsworth

By Airman 1st Class Denise Nevins, 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs / Published May 03, 2016

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Gen. Robin Rand, AFGSC commander, speaks at an all call during his visit to Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., April 27, 2016. Rand touched on how important family and resiliency is to him, as well as the purpose of modernizing the Air Force’s aircraft fleet, including the upgrade of the B-1 bomber cockpit and weapons system officer stations. (Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hailey R. Staker)

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Gen. Robin Rand, AFGSC commander, meets with members of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program and victim advocates during a SAPR briefing at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., April 27, 2016. During the brief, Rand learned about the base’s Prevention Dormitory Advocate Team, an initiative consisting of a group of Airmen who act as liaisons between dorm Airmen and victim advocates when a sexual assault has occurred within the dorms. (Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Denise Nevins)

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Gen. Robin Rand, AFGSC commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Calvin Williams, AFGSC command chief, learn about the “Mil-to-Mil” program from Chap. (Maj.) David Knight, 28th Bomb Wing chaplain, at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., April 28, 2016. The chapel hosts seminars and retreats for couples, allowing them to take time to focus on fortifying their relationships surrounded by fellow mil-to-mil couples. (Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Denise M. Nevins)

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Kim Rand, wife of AFGSC commander Gen. Robin Rand, learns about the Vandenberg Elementary School’s library in Box Elder, S.D., April 27, 2016. The new Vandenberg campus opened its doors during the 2015-2016 schoolyear, and was funded with a combination of Department of Education and Department of Defense grants, and Impact Aid funds. (Air Force photo by Airman Donald C. Knechtel)

5/2/2016 - ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Gen. Robin Rand, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Calvin Williams, AFGSC command chief, visited here April 27-28, meeting with Airmen across the base and learning more about the installation's mission and recent successes.

It was the first time Rand was able to visit Ellsworth AFB as the AFGSC commander, and the first since the base transferred to the Command.

During the visit, Rand sat down with Airmen of all ranks to share his vision and priorities for the command, as well as to recognize them for their accomplishments.

Touring the base, Rand heard about the accomplishments of wing support initiatives like the "Mil-to-Mil" workshops for couples who both serve in the military, and various other programs.

He also received a briefing about the 37th Bomb Squadron's success downrange during their deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and visited new housing developments on the base.

The Global Strike commander highlighted the state of the bomber enterprise at an address to the 28th Bomb Wing, along with measures Airmen can take to further invest themselves in the mission. He also recognized people from across the base who inspired their peers and leader through their excellence, dedication and persistence.

"We respect and honor what you do, and are grateful to be your wingmen," Rand said.

He emphasized the importance of technologies like "Cold Spray," a means of repairing otherwise unattainable aircraft parts, and the Block-16 upgrade to keeping the B-1 fleet ready to meet the demands of today's battlespace.

Finally, Rand thanked bomb squadron aircrews at an aviator all call for their contributions downrange, and for their support in preparing the B-52 aircrews for their deployment to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.