COMUSAFE visits RAF Mildenhall, shares advice

by Airman 1st Class Preston Webb
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

4/17/2014 - RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander and Chief Master Sgt. James E. Davis USAFE-AFAFRICA command chief visited RAF Mildenhall April 14, 2014.

Gorenc toured the base to gain a better understanding of the Team Mildenhall mission. He also offered Airmen advice and shared his leadership philosophy. This was Gorenc's second visit since assuming command.

During a commander's call, he discussed the strategic importance of Mildenhall, European Infrastructure Consolidation and sexual assault.

"I think RAF Mildenhall is very important. There are lots of missions going on here.... in support of European Command and Africa Command," said Gorenc.

Gorenc went on to address Airmen's concerns of rumored upcoming closures and stringent budgets.

"The analysis is ongoing. The U.S. Department of Defense is conducting a European Infrastructure Consolidation review, and they're doing analysis on all the facilities in Europe, not just in the Air Force but for the Army and for all other DoD installations," Gorenc said. "In the end, there are infrastructure changes that we can make in USAFE and AFAFRICA that contribute to a reduction in the budget."

The general also encouraged Airmen not to stand on the sidelines of sexual assault, but to step up to the task of putting a stop to any sexually-charged environments they encounter.

"Make sure that you're cognizant of your environment," Gorenc said. "Make sure that you in no way condone, ignore or tolerate behavior which is against the law. I also ask everybody to educate themselves in what constitutes a sexual assault and know how to prevent it."

While touring the base, Gorenc visited with Airmen during a breakfast in the Gateway Dining Facility, and later in a class at the First Term Airmen Center.

He officiated the ribbon cutting ceremony for a new interview suite for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 512, attended a 100th Security Forces guardmount, and viewed 100th Maintenance Group and 100th Operations Group facilities.

"All of the Airmen here at Mildenhall are full participants in the expeditionary Air Force as we know it and are providing fantastic capability, not only in Europe, not only in Africa, but also in the Central Command area," Gorenc said.

Gorenc went on to stress that as we continue to operate in an uncertain environment, each Airmen should continue to do their best.

"Whatever you do for the United States Air Force, whatever you do for the 100th Air Refueling Wing or your organization on RAF Mildenhall, be the best Airman that you can be," Gorenc said. "Make sure that you're preparing the next generation for their service in the United States Air Force."