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8th AF commander visits Dyess

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. David Owsianka
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The commander of the 8th Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center visited Dyess Air Force Base Oct. 3-5 to meet with Airmen across the 7th Bomb Wing to commend them for their efforts supporting the Mighty Eighth’s mission, as well as to learn more about Dyess challenges and successes.

Maj. Gen. James Dawkins Jr. used his first visit to the base as the 8th AF commander as a way to see firsthand how Dyess Airmen operate day-to-day. The commander was accompanied by his wife, Daina, and 8th AF Command Chief Master Sgt. Alan Boling.

“Everywhere I went I saw proud, confident and professional Airmen who are taking ownership of the mission and excited with what they are doing,” Dawkins said. I learn a tremendous amount about the team by talking with Airmen and responding to the tough questions they ask.
Dawkins began his three-day visit by flying a B-1B Lancer. He also received a 7th BW mission brief and update, and also hosted an all call at the base theater to address Dyess Airmen.

During the all call, Dawkins discussed current and future Air Force initiatives and how they affect Team Dyess, as well as his priorities: warfighting readiness, leadership development and taking care of warfighters and their families.

Dawkins highlighted a stronger focus on readiness and lethality and less emphasis on deterrence.

Deterrence, Dawkins said, is conducted by the president, secretary of defense, and commander of U.S. Strategic Command. Airmen in 8th Air Force will focus on restoring readiness for the high-end fight through improving their lethality. … Deterrence is a consequence of a lethal, ready force.

The 8th AF leadership team visited various squadrons to include the 7th Security Forces Squadron, the 7th Maintenance Group load barn, the 7th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department and the 7th Component Maintenance Squadron fuels hangar. Key spouses, company grade officers and senior NCOs spent time with their 8th AF leadership counterparts to discuss their concerns, upcoming events, questions and other topics pertinent to their roles.

Throughout his time at Dyess, Dawkins stressed his appreciation and respect for the bomber Airmen, their innovation, their motivation and their dedication to ensuring mission execution every day despite challenges.

The challenges we face as an Air Force would cripple any other force, but our Airmen know how to fight through issues better than any military in the world, Dawkins said. “On your worst day, you are still the most capable military in the world.”

I’ve been able to see the great work that is being done by the Airmen here,” Dawkins said. “We have opportunities to continue to increase our readiness, and I know we have great leadership and Airmen who are completing the mission here.”