CSAF gets firsthand look at RPA operations

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III speaks to Airmen during an all call, Jan. 14, 2013. Welsh commended the Creech Airmen during an all call for their adaptability and ability to overcome obstacles and fulfill their motto: “Hunters save lives.” (432d Wing/432d Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs)

Published Jan. 23, 2013
By 432d Wing/432d Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Hunters of the 432d Wing/432d Air Expeditionary Wing welcomed Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III during a visit here, Jan. 14.

The visit gave the chief of staff an opportunity to meet the Airmen who perform the Air Force's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission.

Welsh toured some of the squadrons and the recently reopened wing operations center, seeing firsthand the Hunters' commitment to tactical perfection.

"When you guys do tactics and training, 'Big Air Force' pays attention," Welsh said. "It is unbelievable how this mission has grown up."

Remotely-piloted aircraft have provided a vital capability for the combatant commands, as evident by the heavy demand for them.

The chief of staff commended the Creech Airmen during an all call for their adaptability and ability to overcome obstacles and fulfill their motto: "Hunters save lives."

"You and the Airmen who preceded you have done fantastic things," he said. "This mission has revolutionized the way we think about warfare ... I'm amazed by what you have accomplished."

In addition to discussing the significance of the RPA mission, Welsh also spoke to the importance of leaders at all levels taking time to learn the stories of their fellow Airmen.

One Airman in attendance, Staff Sgt. Bradley said, "He laid the groundwork for future expectations with the direction of the Air Force. He emphasized the only way we can continue to improve is to know our people."