USAFE commander visits Team Aviano

by Staff Sgt. Jessica Hines
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/10/2014 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Air Forces Africa commander along with USAFE-AFAFRICA Command Chief Master Sgt. James Davis, visited Team Aviano during a two-day orientation, March 5 and 6, marking their first visit to the base since taking command.

During the visit, they met with base officials as well as various Airmen and civilians to answer questions and share thoughts on current programs and initiatives.
"I want to provide context to some things and hopefully inspire some questions," said Gorenc during an all-call with Airmen.

Airmen asked questions focused on the current budgetary cuts, retention boards and family programs.

"In the end, this country needs its Air Force; it needs full-spectrum capability, whether we're doing humanitarian support or full combat operations. The intent of the leadership of this country is to provide the Air Force with the resources it needs.

"We've been having force management initiatives for many years. It goes without saying, in this era of sequestration, we are going to have to find a way to create a balanced Air Force," he said.

In order to help prepare for force management programs, the USAFE-AFAFRICA commander encouraged and reminded Airmen to stay active and involved with their careers, become familiar with the process and set goals for the future.

"What I'm asking for is transparency; I'm asking for everyone to know where they stand, what their goals are, what to expect and if necessary...get ready for the results of any force management initiative," said Gorenc.

The general communicated his views using the Air Force vision statement as a guide, "The world's greatest Air Force - powered by Airmen, fueled by innovation."

"It's an important vision because it communicates the idea that despite any budget cuts, we are committed to maintaining our readiness and still maintaining the world's greatest Air Force capability across the full spectrum of airpower contributions," he said.

"This Air Force is more effective than the Air Force I showed up to in 1979 and that is because we counted on our people to be innovative," he added.

On the commander's horizon of initiatives, is a simple phrase he calls a "bumper sticker" for communicating his vision to achieving the Air Force mission - "Step Up, Step In."

"When I say 'Step Up', what I'm really trying to communicate is the positive side of all of the things we have and to continue to develop and nurture our Airmen," said Gorenc.

"I'm asking Airmen to step up to their obligations for their readiness. I'm asking Airmen to step up to their obligations for their development, and also, I'm asking them to step up to their responsibility inside of their families and inside the community where they live," he added.

While motivating Airmen to "Step Up," the general challenges Airmen to "Step In" and prevent dangerous environments or situations.

"I'm also asking Airmen to step in and prevent negative situations from occurring. I'm asking people to step in, both in our work places and off duty, to prevent situations that will reflect badly on themselves and situations where we are putting our Airmen at harm."

Gorenc used the phrase to help remind Airmen to take care of each other in cases of alcohol abuse or harassment.

"I'm asking Airmen to step in to the misuse of alcohol, and I'm asking them to step in to situations that encourage any kind of harassment on the job, whether it is sexual or any other kind of harassment," he said.

As the only U.S. fighter wing south of the Alps, the general also addressed the unique part the 31st Fighter Wing plays in the NATO's overall mission and the continued goals for future relations.

"Aviano has, in the past, and will continue to be critical to NATO's mission. The location south of the Alps is very important, particularly in our role to help out Africa command and address things in the southern and eastern parts of Europe.

"NATO has been a force for peace in Europe and all over the world for decades, and despite the fact that we are getting smaller, there are still expectations for NATO to deliver. So now is the time to roll-up our sleeves and to make sure we are as interoperable as possible. And for the force and the equipment that we have, we make the best use of it - together," he said.