USAFE-AFAFRICA leadership team visits 501st CSW

by Capt. Brian Maguire
501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs

4/22/2014 - RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom -- The U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa leadership team visited with the 501st Combat Support Wing during a base tour April 15.

Airmen from six of the seven 501st CSW installations in the United Kingdom and Norway came together to brief the USAFE-AFAFRICA leaders and highlight the diverse and innovative nature of the wing.

"During my tour here, I saw a lot of innovation," said Gen. Frank Gorenc, USAFE-AFAFRICA commander. "People taking it upon themselves to go to their supervisor and say 'I think we can do this better, and this is what we should do to get the job done.'"

The general, Mrs. Gorenc and Chief Master Sgt. James Davis, USAFE-AFAFRICA command chief, met with Airmen and family members from across the wing, to hear about the award-winning programs that enable mission success across the wing's mission sets.

"The world's greatest Air Force - powered by Airmen, fueled by innovation - I love that vision," Gorenc said. "That vision includes an aspiration to be the very best, and states who is responsible for achieving the world's greatest status - our Airmen."

During an all-call with Airmen in the RAF Alconbury Theater, Gorenc shared his mission statement for all of USAFE-AFAFRICA, and how the 501st CSW fits into the Forward, Ready, Now concept.

"We're forward, we're ready and we're ready now," he said. "That's all you need to remember. The Airmen of 501st are living this every day, you deliver all three elements of Forward, Ready, Now."

Davis echoed the general's comments, noting how all the Airmen they met knew where they fell within the mission.

"I'm excited about this visit - this is my second opportunity to come here, and you've all got it," said Davis. "Throughout the day, we've heard the theme Forward, Ready, Now, regardless of what section we visited."

Gorenc concentrated on the mission, calling it the North Star because that is what guides every Airman's actions. He also focused on two other important areas: safety and sexual assault.

"Safety - the reason it's important is that it's combat capability. How long does it take to replace a 10-year Airman? It's not a trick question. It takes 10 years," Gorenc said. "The idea that you can replace a seasoned veteran of 10 years with a new 3-level and get away with the same level of mission accomplishment can create a safety issue, so be aware of your surroundings and remain safe."

While emphasizing the need to step in and prevent sexual assault, the general spoke about recent changes to the law and Air Force programs to ensure all Airmen understood what resources they had available.

"I want to talk about sexual assault. We have a problem." said Gorenc. "Everybody's got to be part of the solution, because this challenge will not be addressed until Airmen at all levels help squash it."

Davis added that it was important for everyone to have the same message, and he stressed the communication aspect among all Airmen.

"I asked your senior NCOs 'how do you all communicate?' It is even more critical to have a good line of communication when you're dispersed across the U.K. and Norway," said Davis. "Everybody has to get on the same sheet of music, whether you're sitting at Molesworth, Alconbury, Croughton or Menwith Hill, and that takes effort, that takes work."

During the closing comments of the all-call, Gorenc emphasized the role every Airman plays in accomplishing the mission and what they need to focus on to face the changes rippling across the Air Force.

"In times of change, you need to continue to trust your leadership, respect your peers and mentor your subordinates," said Gorenc. "That's the only way to get through change in a positive way and to create an Air Force in the future that will be faithful to a proud heritage."