PACAF commander visits JBER

by Air Force Capt. Angela Webb
673d ABW PAO

2/20/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARSON, Alaksa -- Air Force Gen. Hawk Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander, spent the holiday weekend with Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Arctic Warriors and community members during a visit here Feb. 14 to 16.

During his visit, General Carlisle met with JBER leadership and held an in-depth discussion on the current and future outlook of the Air Force.

"We are in tough times," General Carlisle said. "But when we look back at the legacy of those before us and how they produced the greatest Air Force in the world, all I want is for us to continue that legacy. Not to let [down] those who came before us and this is where I need your help."

The general spoke about current force management initiatives and the importance of engaging on all levels of leadership throughout the process. He reinforced how the best solutions and ideas would come from not those in his position, but from those in the field. He also talked about budget challenges and how it will affect Air Force modernization, readiness and care of the force.

"We need to address the capability and credibility of our force in the future," the general said. "We will get to a point where we will do less with less. We need to do less, but the right less."

In addition to engaging with base leadership, General Carlisle honored the 12 Alaskan Military Service Persons of the Year. He met the honorees at a breakfast earlier in the day and further recognized their achievements as the keynote speaker during the 37th Annual Salute to the Military hosted by the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska and the Anchorage community, Feb. 14.

"These outstanding men and women represent the great leadership and dedication to continuing our legacy as the greatest military in the world," General Carlisle said. "They spend their time helping their unit and various organizations and don't expect anything in return, but they deserve the recognition tonight and always."

After the speech, more than 300 guests were on their feet to celebrate the 12 SPOY members who represented each Active Duty, Guard and Reserve branch in and surrounding the Anchorage area.

In the event's program, a quote summed up General Carlisle's visit and how those recognized are well on their way to continue the heritage of those who came before.
"Duty, Honor, Country: those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be," said Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who commanded Allied forces in the Pacific Theater during World War II and was Army Chief of Staff from 1930-1935.