ACC commander visits Beale

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Steven Goetsch
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  Gen. William M. Fraser III, commander of Air Combat Command, continued his tour of ACC bases with a visit to Beale Air Force Base, Calif., March 8 and 9 to thank Airmen and learn more about Beale's unique missions.

During the general's first visit to Beale as ACC commander, he toured several squadrons and used the opportunity to personally meet and recognize Airmen for their outstanding achievements.

"The great things that happen right here at Beale are making a difference for our Air Force and for the international community." General Fraser said.

The general is referring to achievements such as the imagery that was recently provided by Beale U-2 and RQ-4 Global Hawks that assisted the Haitian disaster relief effort and Maj. William Gottenberg, deployed from Beale to the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron in Southwest Asia, who recently achieved his 100th combat sortie, a major milestone for a U-2 Dragon Lady pilot.

General Fraser also had the opportunity to experience the U-2 and RQ-4 Global Hawk missions up-close by touring the 548th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group and the 12th and 99th Reconnaissance Squadrons. He also learned what it feels like to suit up for the U-2 on a visit to the 9th Physiological Support Squadron, where he was fitted with the "spacesuit" worn by U-2 pilots.

During the visit, the general also held an all-call, where he lauded Beale Airmen for their innovation and dedication to their unique mission.

"For many, many years, you've been on the leading edge of making things happen," General Fraser said. "And you can certainly be proud of that because all of you continue to make history."

Besides meeting Airmen and commanders at lunch and breakfast stops, he took the opportunity at the all-call to recognize some of Beale's top performers.

"It's an exciting time to be here," the general said. "You did outstanding on your November phase two inspection, and you have the best clinic and security forces squadron in the command."

By touring ACC bases, General Fraser not only wants to meet Airmen across the command, but also determine the specific needs of each installation. The general expressed concern for Beale community members and the on-going housing issues they face.

"We believe in people first, mission always, and the housing situation is disappointing to me," General Fraser stated. "It's got the attention of senior leadership, and I'm going to stay on top of this."

"Seeing how our innovative Airmen are accomplishing the mission here at Beale was great," said General Fraser.