Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visits Whiteman

by Senior Airman Montse Belleau
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

8/2/2012 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visited Whiteman July 25 and 26, meeting with Airmen and getting a first-hand look at the B-2 mission.

"The B-2 is as viable today as it was when it was brought on board 20 years ago, and it's going to be relevant 20 years from now," Roy said.

He also emphasized the importance of the bomber's nuclear and conventional deterrence roles.

"The B-2's dual roles are going to be around a long time.I don't think it's one versus the other but the combination of all the systems working together," he said.

Roy also emphasized that Airmen are just as critical to maintaining the mission as the bomber itself.

He went on to say Airmen here know the importance of their AFSCs and know exactly where they fit in when it comes to Whiteman's mission.

"If Airmen understand the mission at large, then they understand how the tactical mission they work on today relates to our national security and the security of our allied nations," Roy said. "Airmen should not only learn their shops mission, but also their wing, base and Air Force mission and what we as Department of Defense do as well."

He also stressed the important roles NCOs and SNCOs play in shaping junior enlisted Airmen into future leaders, and said training is only one piece of that responsibility.

"It's about knowing your people; it's about care and concern for your people," he said. "Supervisors ought to be engaged with the Airmen they supervise and know their stories."

Roy concluded by stating Airmen come from different parts of the world and of the United States, with different backgrounds and upbringings. Despite these differences the Air Force brings Airmen together with the core values instilled during basic training.

"It's not about just knowing the core values, it's about living them," he said. "Our joint and coalition partners rely on us to give them the absolute best, and our Airmen are up to those challenges because we are a professional force and the best Air Force in the world."