AMC commander visits McConnell

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  McConnell welcomed Air Mobility Command commander, Gen. Arthur Lichte, during his first visit here as AMC commander, April 7 to 9. 

The general toured several facilities across the base and greeted active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, 184th Intelligence Wing and the 931st Air Refueling Group. 

He pointed out AMC's lead priorities mirror the Air Force's top priorities and preparing for tomorrow's challenges includes recapitalizing the Air Force fleet. 

"Articulating these priorities to our internal audience, our Airmen, and the American people, is very important," said General Lichte. "The fact that we are engaged in a Global War on Terror, (these priorities) become our number one mission." 

General Lichte also explained how Airmen must look to the future, so they can continue to reach out to any global point, anytime, to advance in the fight against terror, and at the same time, offer humanitarian relief. 

"It's only the Air Force that can reach out like we do - and be able to do that in air, space, and cyber space. It is important for all three missions to not only fight the fight tonight but tomorrow as well," said the general. 

Taking care of the Air Force's people, will prepare them for future challenges, the general said. 

Providing care also ties into recapitalizing and modernizing the fleet, so Airmen can go into a future fight and have the proper equipment and training they need, he added.
Given McConnell's primary mission, air refueling, several Airmen asked how plans for the Air Force's new refueling tanker, the KC-45A, would impact the Air Force and the base. 

"At McConnell, some KC-135 Stratotankers are more than 50 years old," he said. "It may take three decades to replace our fleet, which is why it's important to get on with the process." 

It maybe too early to say whether McConnell will receive the new tanker; however the KC-45A will enhance the Air Mobility Command mission. 

The new aircraft will carry more fuel and cargo, transport more passengers than the KC-135 and be able to refuel both receptacle and probe-equipped receivers on every mission per Air Force requirements. 

"We've been looking at options for the KC-45A, certainly McConnell has the tanker experience, and we'll take that into consideration for placement," said General Lichte. 

Currently, the Air Force is looking to such factors as existing infrastructure, locations for training and operating as well as Total Force Initiatives to determine what bases will receive the new asset, the general said. 

In addition to talking tankers, the general visited McConnell's aircraft maintenance facilities, a KC-135 flight simulator, the air traffic control tower, a security forces facility and several other locations before he spoke to the wing at a Team McConnell rally. 

The general agreed, across McConnell, AMC and Central Command's Area of Responsibility, he is continually impressed with Airmen's outstanding and positive attitudes - regardless of the extended hours they work. 

Today's Airmen are more talented, capable of doing much more and better than ever and it has made a big difference, despite the struggle to keep up with modernizing our equipment, he said. 

"Our Airmen use their unique talents to accomplish our mission," said General Lichte.