MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Barron, Air Mobility Command command chief, visited McConnell from Nov. 6-8 for a base orientation.
Here are some of things he had to say about McConnell during his visit:

Q. How does McConnell's mission contribute to the Global War on Terror?
A. When you think about what tankers bring to the war, our country and defense to this nation, you think about the words "rapid" and "sustained." Rapid mobility - the ability to go anywhere in the world within a moment's notice - and the ability to sustain operations in any environment wouldn't be possible without our tankers.

Q. How does today's Air Force compare to the force you joined in 1979?
A. Our Airmen today are so much better trained. Our capability, our technology - everything has improved tremendously. When I get a chance to get out and talk to our Airmen about some of the training they've been through, and some of the technology
they've been introduced to , and some of the great ideas they have, it just amazes me.

Q. As the Air Force undergoes force shaping and future transformation, what advice
can you offer Airmen on handling these changes?
A. What folks have to remember is they can't be afraid of change. Embrace the change, and take advantage of all the innovative progress we can do to slash waste and do things better. There's going to be a lot of opportunities for folks to step outside the box and do things they never expected to do.
There is going to be a great opportunity to make the Air Force better. It's just a great time to be serving, and it's an honor to serve with such great Americans.