Monday, February 25, 2013

Gen. Selva visits JB Charleston for three-day tour

by Airman 1st Class Tom Brading
Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs


2/25/2013 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Gen. Paul Selva, Air Mobility Command commander, arrived at Joint Base Charleston, Jan. 13, 2013, for a three-day visit, kicking-off a series of extended tours of AMC units and installations.

Accompanying Selva was his wife, Ricki, and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Kaiser, AMC command chief.

The visit included an opportunity for the general to witness JB Charleston's Total Force program in action. He met with active duty and Reserve Airmen, as well as service members from every branch of the armed forces, who work together at various units throughout the Air Base and Weapons Station.

"The intent of my visit, along with my wife and Chief Kaiser, was to take a good hard look at how we're taking care of the Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines right here at Charleston," said Selva. "I'm just getting my feet on the ground as the AMC commander. JB Charleston is the first of a series of longer installation visits to meet some of the most talented men and women of the Air Force ."

Selva assumed command of AMC in Nov. 2012, and has had the opportunity to briefly visit AMC bases introducing himself and his expectations and priorities. His top priority as commander is ensuring Airmen are resourced, equipped and trained to do the mission.

According to Selva, he was most impressed with the teamwork at JB Charleston ... not just the teamwork within leadership ... but also the younger service members pulling together to make the joint base concept successful.

"It's not about one service branch in joint basing," said Selva. "It's about multiple branches working together for one mission, and JB Charleston has really impressed me with how well they work together and accomplish their mission on a daily basis. It is evident that it's the hard working service members, both active duty and Reserve, that make JB Charleston successful."

One reason for that success is that commanders are training, leading and respecting Airmen so they can get the mission done. Since assuming command of AMC, Selva has consistently communicated the importance of a professional work environment that respects all Airmen and focuses on mission readiness.

"Chief Kaiser and I, as a leadership team at AMC, are interested in innovation and imagination of our youngest Airmen," said Selva. "They are all part of the team and every one of them is important to make the Air Force a better place."

AMC's mission is to provide rapid, global mobility and sustainment for America's armed forces. The command also plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian support at home and around the world. AMC is made up of 135,000 Total Force Airmen - Active, Guard, Reserve, and Civilian who provide aerial refueling, airlift, special air mission and aeromedical evacuation capabilities who provide global support to joint partners, allied nations and fellow Americans in need.

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