86th Airlift Wing hosts COMUSAFE, command chief

by Maj. Tony Wickman
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

12/13/2013 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa commander, and USAFE-AFAFRICA Command Chief Master Sgt. James Davis visited the 86th Airlift Wing for an immersion tour to see firsthand the capabilities the wing brings to the command Dec. 2.

The visit gave Gorenc and Davis a chance to see and hear about the work 86th AW Airmen do to provide combat airlift and operate the Air Force's largest mobility hub in support of three geographic combatant commanders and NATO.

"I visited Ramstein and Vogelweh and we captured a lot of mission areas today. All I can say is 'wow,'" Gorenc said. "86 Airlift Wing Airmen are doing a fantastic job delivering combat power for America. So, right up front, I want to thank you for everything you do. I'm grateful for all the work that goes on here at Ramstein."

The general said Ramstein provides a benefit for him in that it's also his home.

"Now, the good news for me is I actually live on this base and so it's like a double treat for me; I love being here," said Gorenc.

The visit wasn't the general's first tour of the wing. He also served as the 3rd Air Force commander at Ramstein from August 2009 to March 2012.

The day included Gorenc and Davis having breakfast and lunch with officers and enlisted personnel, while also visiting the 700th Contracting Squadron, 569th United States Forces Police Squadron, 86th Communications Squadron, 86th Maintenance Group, 37th Airlift Squadron, the Ramstein fire department, and 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron.

According to Brig. Gen. Patrick X. Mordente, 86th AW commander, the visit was important because it allowed the theater Air Force commander and the major command chief to gain valuable insight into the many facets of the mission here.

"It's always great to have the opportunity to show our senior leaders what you, the Airmen of the 86 Airlift Wing, do to support theater requirements," Mordente said. "I think the general and chief walked away with a greater appreciation of the work our Ramstein Airmen do to strengthen and leverage capabilities to support U.S., allied and partner activities on three continents."

Mordente said he was proud of the work done by the Airmen here and pleased with how everyone stepped up to showcase what they do on behalf of the nation to Gorenc and Davis.

The general and command chief concluded the day with an all call in Hangar 1 to address the wing and answer a few questions.

Davis told the crowd the visit was impressive and that everyone should be proud of their duty at Ramstein.

"It was a good visit today...to see all the moving parts that we have here on Ramstein," Davis said. "There are a lot of things taking place and you're at the forefront of everything that we're doing here in USAFE, and you should be proud of that."

The general closed by energizing Airmen to continue to do their best.

"There is always room in our Air Force for fantastic Airmen," Gorenc said. "So, be confident and keep doing what you're doing, and I think we'll meet the aspirations of the chief (of staff) and continue to be the world's greatest Air Force; powered by Airmen and fueled by innovation."