3rd AF commander experiences 86 AW capabilities firsthand

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Larissa Greatwood
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The 3rd Air Force Commander,  Lt. Gen. Timothy M. Ray, toured 86th Airlift Wing units here and on Kapaun Air Station Aug. 4.

The immersion tour gave Ray the opportunity to see the  bigger picture as well as speak with Airmen in their units about their individual impacts.

After a mission brief given by Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th AW commander, Ray visited Airmen in their units who demonstrated and explained how their capabilities enable the mission, support allies and uphold the reputation of the world's greatest Air Force.

"The Airmen under the 86th [AW] truly generate airpower," said Thomas. "We have combat airlift and aeromedical evacuation forces but just as big, if not bigger, is being able to generate airpower."

During the briefing, Thomas not only stressed the importance of generating airpower, but how crucial each Airman's well-being is in working toward a common goal - the mission.

"The second thing is being a good wingman," he continued. "To be a good wingman, you have to be a good Airman and care for yourself before you can care for others. That's something we're all focusing on here."

Ray toured many facilities to include the air traffic control tower, munitions and the Kapaun dining facility for lunch.

Though the immersion was an opportunity for Ray to become familiar with the different units, it also gave Airmen the opportunity to show the ways their individual unit is using innovation to become more effective and efficient.

While visiting different squadrons, Ray coined six Airmen to recognize their individual impact to go above and beyond.

While speaking with group commanders and Airmen, Ray stressed the importance of remembering why what they do is important.

"When you're driving home every day, remember the reason we come to work - to produce airpower," said Ray. "Being in this location, we influence everything important. What the Airmen do every day is so valuable to the Air Force mission and isn't lost on me.  I need your help making sure when [your fellow Airmen] come to work every day they remember the power comes from here."