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Under Secretary of the Air Force: Whiteman is a model base

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The Under Secretary of the Air Force highlighted this base as a model for Air Force global strike capabilities and Total Force Integration during a visit here Sept. 2-3.

The Hon. Erin C. Conaton interacted with Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors during her base tour, which included a preview of the B-2, weapons load trainer and child development center.

"This is a base with a long history and a long future with the United States Air Force," said Ms. Conaton. "I think what the B-2 does and the support this base will provide with the Predator are absolutely critical to today's fight and to whatever comes next," she said.

While the B-2s have been stationed here since 1993, the Air Force recently selected Whiteman to host an MQ-1 Predator mission beginning in 2011.

Ms. Conaton also noted the base's significant efforts toward Total Force Integration.

Total Force Integration is "absolutely essential to where the Air Force is going," the under secretary said. "Not only does it make good sense in terms of how we use our aircraft, but it makes great sense in terms of sharing resources between these components of our Air Force."

Total Force Integration or TFI is a term used to denote the efficient and seamless integration of Air Force active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilian employees.

As one of the pioneers of TFI, Whiteman has realized the benefits of blending branches as a host base for Army and Navy units.

"It's hard to find an example of a base that is a poster child for TFI like Whiteman is," said Ms. Conaton in an interview Thursday. "I think Whiteman is an outstanding example of the joint fight and the way in which we can bring all parts of our military together in a single set of missions."

The under secretary was also the keynote speaker for the Wings Over Whiteman gala during which she highlighted the strong rapport the base has with surrounding communities.

"I know that Team Whiteman isn't just a joint and total force experience, it is a total community experience," the under secretary said.

Airmen appreciated the opportunity to interact with the under secretary, with many noting her down-to-earth and friendly approach.

"She was very motivating and encouraging about the changes that are coming to Whiteman and the Air Force as a whole," said Senior Airman Shaunna Britton, 509th Security Forces Squadron. "I feel like she sincerely appreciates the sacrifices that Airmen and their families make to serve their country."