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Acting SecAF visits Warren; tours missile field, talks to Airmen about budgets, sexual assault

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Eydie Sakura
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Explaining the impacts of sequestration, furloughs and budget restraints, as well as the concerns of sexual assaults in the military, was the focus of Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning, during a trip away from Washington, D.C., to visit Airmen since he began serving in the position.

Fanning visited F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Aug. 15-16 and said his decision to visit the 90th Missile Wing was part of an Air Force familiarization trip since stepping-in as the acting secretary.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of the Air Force and I'm inspired and impressed by what I'm seeing," Fanning said. "I'm seeing the ability of the [Total Force Airmen] staying focused on the mission every day, even with all the uncertainties of what's happening in Washington."

He continued by saying the Air Force is a critical service that's only going to be more-so in the next 10 to 20 years.

"The Air Force is everywhere and that includes a lot of places the world cannot see," he said. "They don't see the [Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles], satellites, or what's going in cyberspace. It's a fascinating story the more I learn it all."

The secretary's message was straight forward and honest. He said it was important to realize the Air Force and the Department of Defense were being viewed through a critical lens due to the issue of sexual assault.

"We've got to show that we're making progress," Fanning said. "We've got to get at this; every Airman needs to feel safe, secure and part of the team, and a part of the mission. That's readiness. That's capability. That's mission."

The mission of the 90th MW and 20th Air Force were showcased to Fanning during his stay here. He visited a missile alert facility and launch control center, where he experienced firsthand the mission of Airmen who deploy daily to the Warren missile field.
He saw the above-ground working and living conditions of the crews, as well as the control center situated below the ground. He also met with Airmen from across the base to include Airman Leadership School and the First-Term Airmen Center.

He ended his two-day visit with an all-call at the base theater and said that with all the restlessness and uncertainties of what the future holds he does see a silver lining, and has a new appreciation for the Total Force Airmen.

"If there was any confusion before about the role our civilian workforce plays, that question is gone now," Fanning said. "The absence of the civilian workforce was felt, as they are integrated into everything."