ACC leadership shares priorities, safety concerns

  • Published
  • By Harry J. Lundy
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) --  Gen. William M. Fraser III, commander of Air Combat Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Marty Klukas, ACC command chief, took time to speak with the ACC staff during three all-calls at the base theater Dec. 15.

During the briefings, senior leaders discussed safety, ACC priorities and the command focus for 2010.

Chief Klukas took the stage first to stress the importance of safety, focusing on the wingman, leader, warrior concept, and to remember all of the warriors in harm's way.

"It is a different Air Force than 20 years ago; we are at war," the chief said. "We need to be the wingman, be the leader and be there for today's warrior. We need to think of those folks."

Before turning the stage over to General Fraser, Chief Klukas wished everyone an enjoyable and safe holiday season.

The commander of ACC began by thanking everyone for their service and all they do every day. "If you look back from where we were to where we are now, we have made incredible progress," General Fraser said. "So many appreciate what you do - I appreciate what you do, so let me simply say, 'thank you.'"

He said it's important for him to hear from the Airmen directly, and he has valued the opportunity to visit the ACC staff directorates, several ACC bases and the area of responsibility since taking command in September.

General Fraser also discussed the four ACC priorities as the command moves into 2010.

The first priority is to develop, retain, and care for innovative, motivated, combat-focused Airmen and their families.

General Fraser said during his recent visit to Southwest Asia that Airmen said they appreciate the support their families were receiving back home.

He alluded to stressors families face when a member deploys and the sacrifices children are making with their parents being gone. This can be even more difficult with children of single parents.

"We do a lot for our families, but we can do more to make sure they are taken care of," General Fraser said.

It is the year of the Air Force family, and the general reminded Airmen that in addition to on-base agencies, the community is willing to help as well.

The command's second priority is to focus organizations, training and education to improve current and future operations in irregular warfare.

"Currently, the Air Force is bringing on systems that are fantastic, and ACC is leading the way," he said, reminding the audience that the nation is counting on ACC to protect the homeland in today's fight and in the future.

To make this happen, General Fraser said he needs to hear from Airmen on where they can stop nonproductive tasks. He encouraged everyone to focus and see how Airmen can better support today's fight and prepare for the future.

"We've got to prioritize and stop doing what doesn't add value," he said.

The third priority is to improve operational effectiveness and increase integration of Air Force, joint, allied and coalition capabilities in major combat operations.

"Not only do we need to work with our allies, we need to lead the way with joint solutions," General Fraser said, stating Airmen must be the voice to headquarters with solutions and be connected up and down the chain of command.

The final ACC priority is to balance recapitalization and modernization within given resources.

"We need to see where we can get more 'bang for the buck,'" General Fraser said.

He said the Air Force is recapitalizing with new weapon systems like the F-35, but is also recapitalizing through the modernization of the F-22s and bombers.

General Fraser told Airmen he will dive deep to see how he can support the command - gathering information so he can better support the Airmen and mission of ACC. "If there is something I need to hear, push it up," he said, "I count on you to inform me."

The general reminded Airmen they are empowered to make a difference, and although standards must be maintained, people can work to change the standards if they're not right. "The country is looking at us to do so," he said.

ACC staff members also had the chance to post questions to the general, where he had the chance to hear their opinions firsthand, and to give his perspective on issues ranging from the importance of adhering to standards in inspections to the new challenges presented with joint basing.

In closing, General Fraser reminded the audience that as they recharge over the holidays, to think of what they would like to accomplish in 2010 - to push the blinders back, and ask questions like "What difference can I make?"

"Our folks are highly motivated and innovative," he said. "Come back from the holidays reinvigorated and ready to make a difference in 2010 for our command, and for our Air Force."