AFSOC chief takes closer look at Pacific

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Marilyn Holliday
  • 353rd SOG Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The command chief for Air Force Special Operations Command traveled to Kadena Jan. 11-20 for an up-close look at what the Pacific Air Commandos are accomplishing.

Chief Master Sgt. Michael Gilbert visited the 353rd Special Operations Group and saw for himself how the group is engaged in the Global War on Terror.

"It is truly awe-inspiring to see the work of the men and women across the theater and especially in Operation Enduring Freedom," Chief Gilbert said. "These are dynamic times and I want to ensure that at AFSOC we're providing the support our Airmen need. I want to help alleviate concerns and keep Airmen up-to-date on the latest issues."

The chief was the guest speaker for the Kadena Chiefs' Induction ceremony. He also toured the 353rd Operations Support Squadron, 353rd Maintenance Squadron, 320th Special Tactics Squadron, 1st Special Operations Squadron and the 17th Special Operations Squadron before traveling downrange to the Philippines to visit with deployed SOG Airmen.

"Everyone is focused on getting the job done," he said. "Naturally, the ops tempo has changed since I was stationed here in 1995. The group is not only engaged in real-world operations, but necessary training in the Pacific. The SOG is running at full speed and doing great things."

The chief said that today's Airmen are different than when he joined in 1981.

"The quality of our Airmen is phenomenal," he said. "They're all hard working, healthy and interested in learning. Those that entered after Sept. 11, 2001, know why they joined and they're focused on the mission of taking the fight to the enemy.

"At the end of the day, AFSOC Airmen are going to do whatever it takes; whatever they can do to get the mission accomplished," he said. "We know what our mission is and we're just going to get it done to the best of our abilities. If you give us what we need, great. If you give us half of what we need, we'll still get it done -- one way or another."
The chief said that AFSOC faces actions such as "standing up" a new base, launching new aircraft and reorganizing the deployment process in 2007.

"Members of 18th Wing of Team Kadena and the 353rd Special Operations Group are truly making it happen," the chief said. "There are many generations of Airmen that have come before us and were justifiably proud to wear the uniform. But, I don't think any generation could be as proud as we ought to be as Airmen today.

"You don't hear much about our successes, but, the fact is we're having successes every single night," he said. "We are quiet professionals. Our Airmen are definitely 'in the fight' and looking terrorists in the eye and killing them."

The chief's visit comes on the heels of the recent announcement of the Outstanding Unit Award with Valor decoration awarded to the 353rd SOG for exceptionally meritorious service from Sept. 2, 2004, to Sept. 1, 2006.

The chief also visited members of the command at Fort Lewis, Wash.; Kirtland AFB, N.M.; McChord AFB, Wash.; Cannon AFB, N.M.; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Mildenhall AB, U.K.; and the CENTCOM area of responsibility twice since accepting the command chief position in August 2006.