HQ AMC hosted fall U.S. Air Force commander's conference

by Headquarters Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

10/9/2015 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Force senior leaders from across the globe came together to discuss current and future challenges central to the Air Force during the Fall 2015 CAF/MAF Commanders' Conference here at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Oct. 7-9, 2015.

Combat Air Forces, known as CAF, encompasses all Air Force aircraft that drop precision munitions.  Mobility Air Forces, known as MAF, aircraft handle all airlift, air refueling and aeromedical evacuation  missions. Both have to work together to ensure the U.S. maintains global air superiority.

"Our adversaries are catching up.  We must think strategically to ensure the United States maintains what we've enjoyed for the past 68 years: air superiority," said Gen. Carlton "Dewey" Everhart II, Air Mobility Command commander.  "We use CAF/MAF to put some of our most knowledgeable Airmen together in an effort to develop plans that will improve our readiness, cut costs and efficiently leverage and unite our Combat and Mobility Air Force capabilities," he said.  "We know tough choices need to be made and we are at our best when we work together."

During the conference, CAF and MAF subject matter experts presented numerous topics, ideas and challenges for discussion and proposed solutions.

"It's important that we continuously evaluate our infrastructure, aircraft capabilities, and force employment processes so that we can employ our forces efficiently and effectively," said Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command.  "Last month, we successfully showcased our rapid force deployment concept by sending CAF and MAF resources together to train with allied forces in Europe.  It's just one example of how we are looking at integrating CAF and MAF capabilities to improve our Air Force.  It's really about finding ways to provide improved capabilities with a shrinking budget and fewer Airmen in an effort to remain best Air Force on the planet."

"We have a responsibility to make the critical decisions that will help advance the Air Force in this difficult fiscal environment," said Everhart.  "We owe it to the tax payers and our Airmen to find solutions now."