19th Air Force command team see the heart of Holloman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Autumn Vogt
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs

The 19th Air Force command team got a first-hand look at how the 49th Wing is building the backbone of combat airpower during a tour here Feb. 13-14, 2020.

Maj. Gen. Craig D. Wills, 19th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, 19th AF command chief, observed Holloman’s daily flying training operations and Airmen who positively impact the mission while producing operationally-ready F-16 Viper and MQ-9 Reaper aircrew. 

The visit also provided wing leaders an opportunity to showcase the best and brightest Airmen, while highlighting the details of the base that enable the optimal aircrew training and make Holloman a positive assignment experience for Airmen and their families.

“In order to do right as an Air Force, we need to have people of exceptional character,” said Wills. “The little choices you make every day become habits and those habits become your character over time.”

The base tour focused on groups, squadrons and individuals. This allowed leadership to emphasize the capability, experience and resiliency cultivated for the total force.

“There are more than 13,000 personnel and major assets on base contributing to our mission,” said Col. Joseph Campo, 49th Wing commander. “We’re continuously improving our training syllabi, our equipment, and our processes to get after building the backbone of combat airpower.  Having our 19th Air Force command team visit and get a first-hand look at our people and mission is a great way to highlight all the amazing accomplishments of this team and where we intend to go in the future."

Several squadrons received visits, including the 9th Attack Squadron, 314th Fighter Squadron, and the Logistics Readiness Squadron, where the 19th AF command team recognized Airmen for their diligence.

On the final day of the tour during an all-call, Wills emphasized the importance of the individuals of today’s Air Force.

“Today I want you to remember this, thank you,” said Wills. “Whether you're a blue suiter, contractor, or a civilian, thank you. You have made a commitment to be part of this Air Force, and your families have made a commitment to be part of this Air Force and it truly matters. What you do is important, we wouldn't have the country we have, without people like you.”