General McNabb inducted into AMC Order of the Sword

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  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  General Duncan McNabb became Air Mobility Command's eighth recipient of the Order of the Sword during a Sept. 6 ceremony attended by more than 425 enlisted members from throughout the command.

The crowd assembled in the Scott Club ballroom to honor their leader, who was singled out for his "tremendous leadership and concern for the enlisted Airmen of Air Mobility Command," said Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Barron, AMC command chief. "Those who have had the privilege of serving with him daily understand that his effect on the enlisted community has been both profound and enduring."

The general, who took command of AMC in October 2005, relinquished command Sept. 7 to become the Air Force vice chief of staff.

"Not a day went by nor a decision made without General McNabb asking the question, 'What impact will this have on our Airmen and their families?'" said Chief Barron. "In spite of scarce resources and funding, General McNabb found ways to improve our work environments, upgrade fitness center and equipment facilities, remodel and provide new furnishings to dormitories, secure funding for extended child care services, renovate Airman Centers, and take the lead in housing privatization. The list goes on and on," the chief said.

In addition to quality-of-life improvements, General McNabb was singled out for prioritizing the safety of AMC's people and his efforts to recapitalize the air mobility fleet.

"AMC averages more than 900,000 aircraft takeoffs and landings every year," Chief Barron said, "with many occurring in combat and hostile environments. General McNabb led the efforts to improve tactics, training and procedures, and obtain needed defensive systems that are critical to combat capability, access and aircrew survival," he continued. "In short, he has personally led the efforts to increase the tactical effectiveness of all our Airmen -- enlisted and officer alike."

Chief Barron said with many of AMC's aircraft older than the parents of the pilots flying them, General McNabb realized the challenges faced by the Airmen maintaining these older airframes.

"He understands that the wear and tear on our aircraft needs to be addressed despite budget constraints," he said. "His vision and roadmap will ensure our enlisted Airmen continue to be able to put the 'reach' in Global Reach, Power and Vigilance in the years to come," Chief Barron added.

In his comments to the crowd, General McNabb spoke of his pride for AMC as "one of our country's true crown jewels." Like other leaders before him, General McNabb gave the credit to those he led.

"Every 90 seconds to 2 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, an Air Mobility Command aircraft with a beautiful U.S. flag on its tail takes to the air," General McNabb said. "And, it is all made possible by dedicated professionals like you: aerial porters, maintainers, aircrews, command and control folks and every operations [and] mission support Airman who proudly wears the AMC patch. It takes all of AMC, working together as a total force team, to provide unrivaled global reach for America," he continued. "And, what you do is more than provide rapid, flexible, and responsive air mobility. By building our air bridge, our tanker bridge and our aeromedical bridge, you absolutely influence and shape world events. You also symbolize the confidence and pride of our great nation and hope to freedom-loving people around the world ... and you literally save lives!"

AMC's air, tanker and aeromedical bridges provide rapid, global mobility and sustainment for America's armed forces through airlift, aerial refueling, special air missions and aeromedical evacuation. AMC also plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian support at home and around the world.

"Of all the things that made me feel best about being AMC commander it was the fact that I could go and find a number of young Airmen who said, 'Here's what we did today to make our Air Force better,'" the general said.

The Order of the Sword is the highest honor enlisted Airmen can bestow on a leader. It is patterned after an order of chivalry founded during the Middle Ages -- the Swedish Royal Order of the Sword. Ancient noncommissioned officers would honor leaders and pledge loyalty by ceremoniously presenting them with a sword. The sword -- a symbol of truth, justice, and power rightfully used -- served as a token of esteemed leadership.