Gen. Herbert Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander, listens to Col. John Pearse, 8th Fighter Wing commander, during a visit to Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Nov. 30, 2012. The general visited Kunsan to learn more about the base’s mission and capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Fowler/Released)
Gen. Herbert Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander, speaks to Airmen at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, following a promotion ceremony Nov. 30, 2012. Carlisle took the opportunity to speak to the Wolf Pack about a number of topics including changes to PACAF and the future of the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Fowler/Released)
Gen. Herbert Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander, speaks to members of Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, following a promotion ceremony Nov. 30, 2012. The general took the opportunity to speak to Kunsan members about a number of topics including changes to PACAF and the future of the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Fowler/Released)
by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
12/11/2012 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Korea -- Gen. Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander, visited Kunsan Nov. 30 to share his expectations with the Wolf Pack.
Carlisle spoke about being good wingmen to each other, what the future holds for the Pacific, and emphasized his commitment to PACAF Airmen.
"Our job is to fight and win this nation's wars, and my job is to take care of you, to give you what you need and to have your back," he said. "You are no kidding the leading edge of our Air Force. If you run out of resources, tell us. If you need help, ask for it. If something's wrong, let us know so we can fix it."
The general added that identifying issues early is increasingly more important as the Air Force focuses on "doing less with less" due to fiscal constraints. He then shifted his focus to the "rebalance."
"We're not going to build more bases in the Pacific. It's about more engagement - we're going to bring our best assets out here to increase combat capabilities," said Carlisle. "Half of the Air Force's F-22s (Raptors) are already in PACAF, as well as the best command and control systems."
Carlisle added PACAF is going to continue to engage with regional partners and allies in an effort to integrate with both them and our sister services.
Another key point Carlisle discussed was the wingman concept - Airmen taking care of each other both on and off duty. He stated that relying on the people around him helped him through a tough time in his life, and he hopes that is the case for other Airmen.
"We need that type of personal intervention," he said. "It doesn't matter what the problem is; we have to get our arms around it and proactively intervene and take care of them. Our asymmetric advantage against any potential adversary is our Airmen and the reason we're so good is because we have each other's backs."
Lastly, Carlisle discussed how honored he is to serve with Airmen stationed around PACAF.
"The Airmen I've seen in the Pacific are absolutely outstanding, and I'm incredibly proud of you," he said. "The sacrifices you make and the sacrifices your family makes - none of it is easy, but what you do is spectacular. It's a great honor and privilege to be at the Wolf Pack."
