PACAF command chief visits Kadena

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald, Pacific Air Forces command chief, speaks to 18th Wing Airmen during an enlisted all-call on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 29, 2013. During the all-call McDonald addressed the importance of being resilient, disciplined ambassadors and effective leaders, which is vital to the Air Force mission, and ended with a questions and answers session to find out what he can do to help today's Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keith James)

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PACAF command chief visits Kadena

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald, Pacific Air Forces command chief, speaks with Kadena Airmen at the Marshall Dining Facility on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 28, 2013. McDonald asked the Airmen to give him one thing they would change about today’s Air Force. He spoke on the physical training program, enlisted performance reports, energy savings programs and developing professional Airmen through volunteering and being involved with the community, as well as overall job performance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hailey R. Davis)

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PACAF command chief visits Kadena

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald, Pacific Air Forces command chief, greets Airman 1st Class Fanyu Meng, 18th Force Support Squadron food service shift worker, during a visit to the Marshall Dining Facility on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 28, 2013. McDonald asked Airmen what they’d change in today’s Air Force and met with dining facility personnel, who serve four meals to approximately 1,200 service members daily. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hailey R. Davis)

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PACAF command chief visits Kadena

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald, Pacific Air Forces command chief, speaks to NCOs going through the NCO Academy course at the Erwin Professional Military Education Center on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 28, 2013. During his visit to the PME center, McDonald learned more about the Airman Leader School and NCOA courses that enlisted members receive when transitioning to the NCO and senior NCO tiers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keith James)

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PACAF command chief visits Kadena

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald, Pacific Air Forces command chief, speaks to 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Airmen on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 28, 2013. During McDonald's visit to Kadena, he thanked Airmen for what they do and asked them what he could do to help today's Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keith James)

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PACAF command chief visits Kadena

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald, Pacific Air Forces command chief, views a dayroom of dormitory 145 on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 29, 2013. The dorm council escorted McDonald around as he toured rooms and learned about dorm life from the individuals who live there. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keith James)

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PACAF command chief visits Kadena

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Matthew Bryles, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management journeymen, briefs Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald, Pacific Air Forces command chief, about the GR-135 on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 29, 2013. The GR-135 tests the radiation levels in the area and identifies the exact isotope when responding to all hazardous incidents. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keith James)

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PACAF command chief visits Kadena

Published Oct. 30, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Keith James
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Pacific Air Forces command chief visited Kadena for two days starting Oct. 28 to speak to the enlisted members stationed here and hear about some of their challenges and concerns.

Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald's visit included an enlisted all-call, a breakfast with Airman from the wing, a walk through of the Erwin Professional Military Education Center and dormitories, and a tour of various units throughout the base. McDonald thanked the Airman for what they do and listened to them to ensure morale and welfare was high.

"(Gen. Herbert J. Carlisle, PACAF commander,) sent me out here to do two things; one is to say thank you for what you do and everything you've done to continue the Air Force mission to secure the peace and stability of the United States," McDonald said. "And secondly to hear from you all, to find out what's going on so I can tell (Gen. Carlisle) what he can do for you."

During his tour, the Airmen of the 18th Wing showcased some of the wing' s equipment maintenance and civil engineering capabilities; dorm life, to include the dorm council and the various activities they host; professional military courses; and how Airmen within the wing perform on a day-to-day basis to get the mission done.

"Performance," McDonald said. "It isn't just going and turning a wrench; it ties into a lot of things: it's leading, being a role model, and it's the reason no service, no air force, no anything can rival what we do."

During his visit, McDonald addressed key topics affecting today's Airmen and discussed the ways the Air Force is moving forward to address these topics. He also talked about some topics specifically for Kadena Airmen such as suicide prevention, military appearance, sexual assault prevention, the island curfew, comprehensive Airman fitness, and sequestration.

He stressed the importance of being resilient airmen, disciplined ambassadors, and being great leaders who continue to complete the mission.

"Every one of you is a representation of the United States," McDonald said. "Everything you do reflects on our entire nation."