GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Gen. Mike Holmes, Commander of Air Combat Command, visited the 17th Training Wing to learn more about the training mission, May 30.
As the ACC commander, Holmes is responsible for the Air Force core function of Global Integrated Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. Many of the Airmen that graduate training at Goodfellow go on to work at ACC units aligned with that function.
Holmes toured the training squadrons and learned about how the 17th Training Group instructs its ISR trainees.
“The future of everything we do going forward in the Air Force, is trying to change from an Air Force that has been fighting this daily battle against violent extremist, to an Air Force that can once again deter great powers like Russia and China,” said Holmes. “Everything we do along that course will be built on the back of ISR.”
Holmes also met with San Angelo community leaders.
“We are here to support Goodfellow Air Force Base and we hope everyone up the line understands how important this is to the city of San Angelo and its citizens,” said San Angelo Mayor, Brenda Gunter. “If someone in his position takes the time to come out here, it’s important for us as city leaders to come out here and say, ‘Thank you, and thanks for the support you give Goodfellow.’ I don’t know what is all going to be said today but we want to let him know that we are here to support.”
During Holmes’ visit with local leaders, he took the opportunity to thank them for their support.
“You guys are unique in the way you have sought to find out what the base’s needs are and then actually achieve solutions to them,” said Holmes. “This is a population that loves the Airmen and wants to make this a good life for them, a place where they can find meaning and purpose, serving their country and we appreciate it.”