AFGSC commander shares vision with SUPT graduates

by Airman 1st Class Charles Dickens
14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

5/2/2013 - COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command spoke to the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 13-08 Graduation April 26 at the Columbus Air Force Base Kaye Auditorium.

Lt. Gen. James Kowalski offered insight and vision for the new graduates, emphasizing the importance and the honor of their chosen profession, and the responsibility that comes with it.

"I want the clock to stop because I want you to savor this moment," Kowalski said. "This is special, and some of you are starting to get a taste of our tribal rituals--what we do as the United States Air Force."

The general stressed that with the increase of skills the new pilots are slowly learning about and enjoying, there comes a heavy load as well.

"After today everything is going to be different," Kowalski said. "After today your responsibilities and our expectations of you are going to be much greater."

"This world is now yours to help build and defend, and that's a big responsibility," he said.

The general also discussed the importance of AFGSC to the Air Force and the world as a whole.

"The soul of the Air Force is the ability to go long-range," Kowalski said. "That's what we do in Global Strike Command."

"We've got an independent Air Force because we saw the value in a long-range aviation service that could overcome terrestrial obstacles to reach an enemy," he added. "Today, when we overcome those obstacles and we reach somewhere globally, it can be with a helping hand to provide salvation or sustenance. It can also be with a sword, which Global Strike Command plays a role."

Kowalski continued speaking about the significance AFGSC has in keeping the United States as powerful and peaceful as it is.

"I believe what I heard a Marine Corps general say years ago--'Quality of life is a working rifle,'" he said. "We've got to have the right weapon systems and their sustainment in order to continue to ensure the sovereignty of this nation."

The general shared some key advice once given to him as a young officer, not only to help the new pilots, but also those they will one day influence.

"The biggest lesson I learned was from a flight commander when I was a junior captain," he said. "The bottom-line lesson was, 'Don't complain about anything, ever. Either fix it or forget it.'"