12th AF CC: Holloman right on track

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Terri Barriere
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  More than ten members of the Steel Talons Honor Guard recently had a chance to sit down with the 12th Air Force commander to discuss the Air Force's future during his recent visit to Holloman. 

After breakfast at the Shifting Sands Dining Facility, Lt. Gen. Norman Seip presented Master Sgt. Paul Sanchez, Steel Talons noncommissioned officer in charge, with a $3,000 check for the team. 

But it wasn't all bacon and eggs for the general. General Norman Seip spent his second visit to Holloman as the 12 AF commander concentrating on key base issues and programs. 

The general said he wants Holloman to be his "go-to" wing when it comes to employment of the F-22A. 

"I want Holloman to be known as the experts on low-observable aircraft," he said. "I also want to ensure we posture the wing to be successful in the transition to the F-22 by ensuring we have the right resources and training and the right people to accomplish the mission." 

According to General Seip, Holloman is right on track with that vision. 

"Holloman is right on schedule based on the plan that has been laid out," he said. "There are challenges that may come up, but none of them are showstoppers and we've definitely got the right leadership focused on making sure it's done right." 

One major part of dealing with challenges is being able to adapt and overcome change and, according to Chief Master Sgt. Wade Johnson, 12 AF command chief, who also visited Holloman last week, the biggest change will be adapting to a whole new way of doing business. 

Some of the other more obvious changes included transitioning to the new Airman battle uniform and taking on more joint taskings. 

But according to General Seip, the one thing that's not changing at Holloman is the focus on the current mission and the preparations for the future mission. 

He said his goals right now are taking care of the mission and taking care of the people.
"I thank Team Holloman for the very warm welcome and great visit," he said. "I appreciate the dedication to the mission, professionalism and commitment to each other and the Air Force. Simply put, this is a world class organization, led by world class leaders and manned by world class Airmen. We're fortunate to have Holloman on the 12 AF Team -- Go 49ers!"