New USAFE/AFAFRICA Command Chief Shares Simple Philosophy

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Norris I. Agnew
  • United States Air Forces in Europe/Air Forces Africa Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  To hear Chief Master Sgt. Craig A. Adams tell it, he's just a simple man. But there is nothing simple about the leadership role he recently assumed.

As the new command chief for United States Air Forces in Europe and United States Air Forces Africa, Adams now serves as the senior enlisted advisor for more than 36,000 personnel spread throughout an area spanning three continents and covering more than 19 million square miles. This role makes him the right-hand man to the USAFE/AFAFRICA commander, Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, in all matters related to the health and readiness of every Airman and civilian working within the two air components.

And that's not all. He also assumes responsibility for enlisted theater security engagement and building partnership capacity activities with 28 NATO nations and 22 Partnership for Peace countries in support of U.S. European Command's Theater Security Cooperation objectives.

Overwhelming? Not to Adams.

"I see it as more of an honor and a privilege that Gen. Breedlove chose me as his teammate to be a champion of Airmen and their families," said the 25-year Air Force veteran from Tiffin, Ohio. "I wouldn't use the word 'overwhelming.'"

That perspective, according to Adams, comes from a simple observation.

"I am surrounded by absolutely amazing people," he said. "I feel energy from our Airmen, and I feel our folks are motivated; they truly want to succeed. And I sense a pride in what they do, which is warming and impressive. It's an incredible responsibility to support two combatant commands, but our Airmen are up to that challenge. We have amazing Airmen, and I'm very proud of what they do every single day."

Such an impressive force, said Adams, deserves engaged leadership.

"In this digital age, analog leadership is even more important," he explained. "Whenever possible, leaders need to be eye-to-eye and face-to-face with their Airmen. I understand and appreciate the fact everyone is busy," Adams continued. "But we simply need to make the time for things that are important. Knowing our Airmen is important. Taking care of our Airmen and their families is important."

Adams underscores the importance of maintaining a professional force by referring to it as a family business, a term that resonates with the Buckeye fan who followed his brother into the Air Force in 1987.

"This nametape means a lot," he said, pointing to the name "Adams" on the right side of his ABU blouse. "But this service tape means a lot as well," he continued as he pointed to the words "U.S. Air Force" on his left side. "They both embody a sense of family."

And for his new USAFE and AFAFRICA family, Adams has some simple advice.

"Be prepared and be ready, professionally and personally," he said. "Take care of yourselves, your families and each other. Never hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Do your best every single day and success will follow.

"No matter the job, we have to be all in and be the best at what we do every single day," he stressed. "If we do that, we win. Pure and simple."