ACC commander impressed with Holloman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Terri Barriere
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The Air Combat Command commander visited Holloman for the first time last week and got a glimpse at the way Team Holloman does business. 

"I always take an opportunity to go out to all the bases and see the programs," said Gen. Ronald Keys, ACC commander. "I like to get a feel for how things are going and see how things are being translated at the wing level - where the rubber meets the road." 

During his visit Sept. 14-16, General Keys attended the Detachment 1 inactivation ceremony and spoke with Holloman officers at a warrior's call, but it was teamwork that caught his attention. 

"There is great focus on the mission here," he said. "The people know what they're here for, they look out for each other and they work well together." 

General Keys took over as the ACC commander in May and is responsible for organizing, training, equipping and maintaining combat-ready forces for rapid deployment and employment, while ensuring strategic air defense forces are ready to meet the challenges of peacetime air sovereignty and wartime defense. 

The general touched on many key points including his vision for Holloman in the next couple years. 

He said we will continue to transition the F-117A out and bring the Raptor in, continue to be the German air force training base and continue to be a staging base for BEAR Base.
"The major change will be the Raptor and getting it bedded down properly," he said. "Holloman has an enduring quality - there are great people here, and with the Raptor coming, a great new mission." 

The general also addressed the new changes made to the type of training Airmen are now receiving and the type of deployments they are now facing. 

He said he believes the changes to training need to be permanent because it's important we understand and have the life saving skills needed to take care of each other. 

"This is the Air Force we are in and will be in for the future," he said. "However, I don't think there will be great changes in the future. We believe 120 days is the right rotation cycle when we have the appropriate number of personnel. As far as training I think there will be more training more often." 

After visiting Holloman, the general said he was impressed with Team Holloman members. 

"I saw a lot of enthusiasm and innovative spirits," he said. "I would like to reinforce that the folks here at Holloman are doing it right. I'm proud of the job you are doing and it needs to continue."