MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- From the moment Brig. Gen. Dave Howe's boots hit the flightline, he was busy meeting with Airmen and becoming familiarized with the base's mission during his first-ever visit to Moody.
As the Air Combat Command director of installations and mission support, General Howe is responsible for hundreds of operating locations worldwide, one being the 23rd Mission Support Group.
"Moody has a very demanding set of missions in the deployed area of responsibility," said the general. "In addition to this, they are also keeping the mission going at home station, and I am very impressed with the balance they have struck between the two."
For the first event during his three-day visit, General Howe bid farewell to some of the Airmen who were leaving for a deployment.
"Getting to see the warriors off is not something I get to do often," he said. "Seeing such a large group from the 824th Base Defense Squadron depart was a great opportunity and an honor."
General Howe's visit also included tours of 23rd MSG facilities and one-on-one time with leaders.
"The purpose of this visit is to see firsthand how the mission support group is doing and meet with squadron commanders to become familiar with issues they are handling," General Howe said. "While they are doing a fine job, it's good for ACC staff members to see how we can better help them manage resources and make policies."
One of the individuals who was able to spend time with the general was Capt. Justin Secrest, 23rd Security Forces Squadron commander.
"It's great when leadership really gets out and has contact with their units," said Captain Secrest. "In some jobs such as security forces, you may work nights, weekends and holidays, and it's easy to feel isolated. Having a general speak to the Airmen is great because it helps them realize how important their work is and that they do have support."
General Howe also had an opportunity to interact more with the 23rd SFS, including a facility tour and military working dog demonstration. He also met with representatives from the 23rd Contracting Squadron and 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron.
Other facilities that received the director's attention included Moody's bowling center, base theater, indoor and outdoor pools, Child Development Center, housing, the new gate and post office and Mission Lake.
General Howe's first visit to the Georgia base concluded Dec. 1.
"I've been very impressed with the hospitality shown to me," General Howe said. "Even more impressive is the teamwork and attitude I've seen among the 23rd MSG units. We place a very high standard on them to complete the demanding missions and they manage to do so while being professional and enthusiastic."
USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)