ACC command chief visits Gunfighters

  • Published
  • By Airman Samuel Anderson
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (ACCNS) --  Mountain Home Air Force Base welcomed the highest ranking enlisted Airman under Air Combat Command Oct. 27 during his first visit here.

Chief Master Sgt. Martin Klukas, ACC command chief, spent two days with the Gunfighters and visited more than 15 base agencies, including the First Term Airman's Center.

"We had about 28 FTAC folks in there and they are fired up," the chief said. "They're out there making a difference - they're so much brighter, so much smarter, than the folks from my generation. So it fires me up - what's not to like when you get to be around all that positive energy?"

The 366th Fighter Wing slogan "Audentes Fortuna Juvat," or "Fortune Favors the Bold," reminds Airmen to not wait for something to happen but to go out and get the things that are wanted or needed. The chief said Airmen should be bold but not reckless, and gave a reminder to always adhere to the wingman concept.

"That is something we can all - from the youngest warrior and family member all the way to the most senior member of the Gunfighter team - can comprehend," the chief said. "We want you to step out; we want you to be adventurous; we want you to be innovative; we want you to be good at problem solving but don't be reckless."

Throughout his trip, Chief Klukas complimented several base organizations, and said ACC has taken notice of the great things the Gunfighters are accomplishing.

"You execute your mission and that plays right into hand of what we expect in Combat Air Force's Strategic Plan," he said. "One of the biggest issues I manage on a daily basis is making sure warriors are developed and are ready to be placed in an environment where we need you to succeed, and obviously give you the proper tools and training and ability to get into that environment, whether it's with your Air Force or joint counterparts, or coalition and International partners -- we want you set up for success. Mountain Home has got a tremendous amount of combat power here."