AMC commander visits Dyess

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carolyn Viss
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Mobility Command commander visited Dyess Aug. 16 and 17 to see the premier C-130 unit here, which is AMC's busiest and the Air Force's most highly-deployed aviation unit since Sept. 11. 
General Duncan McNabb had the opportunity to meet with Abilene civic leaders who support Dyess and tour the base, meeting Airmen and getting first-hand knowledge of the 317th Airlift Group and its accomplishments. 
He also awarded a Bronze Star and hosted a commander's call, speaking on the future of Dyess' aging C-130 fleet, retention, and a leaner Air Force. 
"My visit to Dyess has been superb," General McNabb said. "When I visited two years ago, the athletic field, fitness center, and 317th OPS/AMU buildings were just being built. To come back now and see those completed is truly awesome." 
General McNabb spent one evening with several Abilene civic leaders and conveyed great thanks to them for all they do for Dyess. The AMC trophy that was awarded to the city of Abilene speaks volumes about the great relationship between the Airmen at Dyess and the community, he said. 
"Seeing young Airmen from the 317th fly and train for (Operations Iraqi and, Enduring Freedom) is so impressive," General McNabb said. "I came away so inspired. I definitely got more from this visit than I gave." 
He said the 317th AG is the "crown jewel" of AMC, allowing the Air Force to move strategically. 
"What we do is get convoys off the roads, and that will save lives," he said. "C-130s have done tremendous work in theater, getting cargo and troops to (the area of responsibility) without risk of (improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnances). We are proud of what these tactical warriors have done." 
He said Dyess has done a great job of supporting the Airmen who fight the ongoing Global War on Terrorism by providing good facilities and quality of life amenities. 
"What we're looking for is sustained excellence," General McNabb said. "We do that by balancing not only absolute focus on the mission but also the things that need to be done for Airmen and their families. Our No. 1 priority is to take care of each other - the wingman concept. It's easier to put yourself in harm's way than it is to send a loved one, and taking care of those who are left behind is a huge part of our mission." 
AMC plans to lower the operations tempo of C-130 units by sending more C-17s into theater. Their 120-day deployments began in June, he said. 
"We're also finding ways to use our total force," he said. 
"We want to use the Reserve and Air National Guard and do everything we can to help ease the tempo (C-130s) face now." Colonel Kevin Jackson, 317th Airlift Group commander, said the best thing about General McNabb's visit was that it demonstrates the fact that senior leadership throughout the Air Force cares about seeing the actual work force. 
"We had the opportunity to talk about issues regarding the aircraft, rotational taskings, training requirements, and stressors the 317th AG faces. He talked about what abilities AMC has to train, organize and equip the Air Force in order to better support our warfighters." "General McNabb was 'wowed' when he saw the support we have from not only the community but also the 7th Bomb Wing," Colonel Jackson said. 
"He felt the men and women of the 317th AG are in good hands with the 7th BW as a host unit, even though our aircraft are so dissimilar." 
"General McNabb was enamored and impressed," Colonel Jackson added. "We very much enjoyed his visit and are looking forward to him coming back and piloting the C-130 in a few months." 
"Thank you for what you do every day," General McNabb said, in closing. "We're proud of what you do and how you serve. Young Airmen are the next greatest generation, and they have stood up and volunteered to serve. They've been tested under fire, and they're awesome. What I've seen this week is collective heroism - you're making freedom ring all around the world."