AFGSC commander visits Team Malmstrom

by Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

9/30/2015 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont.  -- The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command Gen. Robin Rand visited Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, Sept. 24-26, to meet  with Airmen and see how they execute the mission.

The visit to the 341st Missile Wing was the general's first since taking command and afforded him the opportunity to engage with the Airmen who perform the strategic deterrence mission every day.

"This wing is doing great work," Rand told the Airmen. "We are the greatest Air Force in the world, and I don't say that boastfully. That's a fact. But to stay great, you have to work at being great. You've got to continually be willing to be innovative, adapt, adjust and stay relevant -- it takes constant work."

Rand met with junior enlisted Airmen and base leaders to answer questions and discuss current Air Force issues, participated in command meetings and toured several base facilities while accompanied by his wife Kim, and Chief Master Sgt. Calvin Williams, the incoming AFGSC command chief.

One of Rand's key points of emphasis during the visit was the importance team Malmstrom plays in the nuclear mission.
"As long as there are nuclear weapons in this world, we need to maintain them," Rand said. "And as long as we are maintaining them, we absolutely need to have a nuclear triad because a triad gives us the survivability, the protection and the capability to do exactly what we are doing and that is to ensure that no one else will use them against us."

During a base-wide all call, Rand stressed the importance of AFGSC and how the missileers are key to ensuring the safety of our nation.

"Global Strike Command is the most unique [major command] in the United States Air Force and we are the only command that does what we do globally," Rand said. "You're the ones who make sure the enemies of this country sleep with one eye open. You are our nation's silent warriors. You fight in-place every day, 24/7."

Rand also spoke with the Airmen about both a personal and professional reverence he maintains for the Airmen and their families. "I have a lot of admiration and respect for Airmen who have families and the challenges they face," he said.

The general honed in on the importance of maintaining the Air Force core values and how Airmen who live by those values will succeed both at work and outside of their job.

"Our foundation in the United States Air Force is our core values," Rand said. "That's who we are, that's what we're going to build on. It's about the profession of arms. It's about being a warrior. It's about character. It's about treating Airmen with dignity and respect."

The general closed his comments at the all call by offering a personal note to the Airmen and challenging them to keep the mission at Malmstrom running.

"I love the Air Force and our mission, but most importantly, I really consider it an honor to serve with you and be one of your wingmen," Rand said. "I want you to know that I'm focused on you, your mission and your family, and I'm going to work hard to help you. The mission is the mission, but it's Airmen who do that mission."