Beale welcomes 12th AF leaders

Published Nov. 2, 2012
By Senior Airman Shawn Nickel
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- "Mission, Airmen, families -- those are our priorities," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robin Rand, 12th Air Force commander (Air Forces Southern), during his visit here.

Rand toured several base units and agencies Oct 30-31, as part of an initiative to visit all of the installations under his command. He observed numerous facets of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing mission.

Rand was accompanied by Chief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia, 12th AF (AFSOUTH) command chief master sergeant. The pair was given a firsthand look at Beale's mission by Airmen who accomplish the many vital tasks related to the wing's success.

Rand made time to speak to Airmen from several facilities, including Beale's newest units featuring the MC-12W Liberty weapon system. Throughout his stay, he expressed his appreciation for Beale Airmen and his pride in the dedication and professionalism they bring to the mission every day.

"My number one priority is to support the warfighter, the Airmen in that fight and their families who are supporting them," Rand said. "Airmen are our greatest strength and resource; that's personal to me."

Rand said two of the largest issues plaguing the Air Force are suicide and the sexual assault epidemic.

"I know the solution to these problems is in this room. It lies with each and every one of us," he said.

Along with the priorities Rand mentioned, one subject he is unwavering on is fitness, and he has strong words for Airmen.

"If I can find time for fitness, anyone can," Rand said. There were more than 150 Airmen asked to leave the Air Force from 12th AF last year because they were not physically fit.

Rand closed with one final comment and invited Airmen to come forward and meet him personally.

"If you remember nothing else I said, remember that I said, 'Thank you,' and go home and thank your families for their service and commitment."

Headquarters, 12th Air Force is located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Ariz. 12th Air Force is one of three numbered air forces assigned to Air Combat Command.

The 12th Air Force mission is to provide combat ready forces to ACC, train and equip 10 combat wings and one RED HORSE squadron. Additionally, 12th Air Force is responsible for the operational readiness of 20 Twelfth units of the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard in the Western and Midwestern United States.