PACAF boss visits Columbus

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The commander of Pacific Air Forces visited Airmen and local community members here Jan. 25 to Jan. 29.

During his stay, Gen. Gary North, PACAF commander, spoke in a variety of forums, flew in the T-38 Talon and T-6 Texan, and spoke at the graduation of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 12-04, launching them towards the next stage of their training and their Air Force careers.

"It happens 15 times a year and it's a phenomenal event... not only for the family members and individuals but for the whole Columbus team who can now high-five each other for producing another group of ready pilots for our Air Force," said North.

North, who has held his position since August 2009, said that his major command has been very proud of the Airmen entering the PACAF area of responsibility.

"The gateway to our Air Force is through Air Education and Training Command. Think of the number of enlisted Airmen we bring through Lackland Air Force Base every year, think of the thousands of pilots that we produce, and every other specialty," said North. "Columbus's primary mission is to produce pilots, but in advancing Airmen to do that, the whole team is focused on a common mission: to send out 300 plus pilots a year to our Air Force."

As for the men and women of the 14th Flying Training Wing who produce those pilots, North said he thinks they are fantastic and should be very proud of the work they do.

"It's what we expect of a leadership team; it's what we hope for out of a community team," he said. "They're fantastic, this base is ablaze."