Air Combat Command leader visits mobility base

by 2nd Lt. Cammie Quinn
43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/15/2010 - POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFNS) -- The commander of Air Combat Command visited Airmen assigned to the 18th Air Support Operations Group March 31, here.

Gen. William M. Fraser III discussed ACC's collaboration with Air Mobility Command officials, inquired about Airmen issues and expressed gratitude during the visit to the tenant unit.

ACC members rely on Air Mobility Command's forces for moving and providing supplies for the combat air forces and all the services in the area of responsibility.

"ACC and AMC have an outstanding relationship," General Fraser said. "Teamwork is necessary between the combat air forces and mobility air forces, and cooperation goes back to the previous leaders who have commanded both ACC and AMC."

ACC and AMC Airmen are critical links in the success of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and future operations. Members of both commands are constantly evolving to meet the changes in warfighting strategies.

General Fraser and Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., commander of Air Mobility Command, work together to address these changes and repair issues and concerns between their commands.

"We continue to get closer and work better together," General Fraser said. "As the force provider, we're able to look across the entire Air Force and help source the request for forces. ACC is continuing to make progress with what we're doing as the force provider and AMC is getting better in the ability to deliver, both inter- and intratheater. The commands are tightly linked together."

To show his appreciation, and to better understand the challenges of his Airmen, General Fraser visits bases throughout his command to identify key issues weighing heavy on the minds of his Airmen and give him the opportunity to make changes in the system to improve their situations.

"During the base visits we get out, talk to Airmen and hear what their issues may be," General Fraser said. "I wouldn't know their concerns if I didn't go out to the field to get the feedback from the Airmen so I could better understand their position."



General Fraser is also focused on improving training and posturing Airmen assigned to the 18th ASOG for success.

"It takes time to grow this specialty and expertise," General Fraser said. "We've funded the billets, and now we have to grow the capability. We're putting more personnel into the system. We have to get the manning up because the Army wants more support and that's in recognition of the great job our Airmen are doing."

General Fraser acknowledged the hard work and dedication of his Airmen and appreciates their family members for their dedication as well.

"Airmen and their families should know that we understand where they are and the contributions they're making," General Fraser said. "The Airmen are making sacrifices and providing support to the Air Force and to our nation. I also want to thank the families of our Airmen, especially in these career fields. They can't be thanked enough for their sacrifices."