Commander of ACC discusses issues, priorities during Nellis visit

  • Published
  • By Airman Cynthia A. Haughton
  • Nellis Public Affairs Office
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  Gen. William M. Fraser III, commander of Air Combat Command, discussed ACC's priorities and focus areas with Airmen here during a visit March 10 through 12.

Topping the list of the command's priorities is taking care of Airmen.

"It's not the hardware or platforms making the mission happen -- it's the young men and women who serve our Air Force and nation that make us great," General Fraser said. "We want to build resilient Airmen, and it is important to maintain balance between physical, mental, spiritual and social fitness."

General Fraser said the Air Force aims to develop good leaders through experience and education. "We want to posture people for success," he said. "We are all a part of one team."

In addition to taking care of Airmen, the general considers fighting today's fight and preparing for the future as one of the command's key priorities.

"We've been at war a long time making tremendous contributions, and I want to ensure we continue to make a difference for the joint team," General Fraser said. "We have ACC Airmen, including many from Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases, engaged in operations around the world. When I went to the theater shortly after taking command, the high morale and motivated Airmen I met made me feel proud of the great work everyone is doing at home and on the front lines to accomplish today's mission.

"But while fighting today's fight, we cannot take our eyes off the future," General Fraser continued. "It's a dangerous and unpredictable world out there, so as we look to the future, we have to ensure the Air Force is prepared."

As the home of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, General Fraser acknowledged the crucial role Nellis and Creech play in today and tomorrow's fight by developing the tactics, techniques and procedures used by the combat air force.

"Whether it is increasing unmanned combat air patrols from Creech Air Force Base, or hosting Red Flag and Green Flag exercises at Nellis and on the Nevada Test and Training Range, Airmen here play a large role in making a difference for today's fight and that of tomorrow," the general said. "Through unique programs hosted here, like the annual Weapons and Tactics Conference, Airmen are developing new and innovative ways to improve the combat effectiveness of our Air Force."

Meeting priorities comes with challenges and General Fraser said the biggest challenge is meeting the command's goals in a resource-constrained environment. He said that new ideas are needed from Airmen, and that their feedback will help make decisions about where to apply Air Force resources.

"One would like to have many more resources, but they're just not there," the general said. "So we have to rely on our Airmen to be innovative to make things happen."

The general also thanked the families of military members for their support and sacrifices made every day. "With this being the Year of the Air Force Family, we need to recognize that our family members are making sacrifices, and I want to thank each and every one of them for the tremendous support they bring to our team. It's the support of those families that allows us to do the things we need to do for today's joint fight," General Fraser said.

"What's exciting about Nellis is that you can come here and see how we can do things better and put it into practice," the general concluded. "The sacrifices Nellis makes to support the current fight, while providing the exercises and training that makes our Air Force better, is really making a difference."