12th Air Force leadership visits Offutt

  • Published
  • By David R. Hopper
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Lt. Gen. Robin Rand, 12th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia Jr., 12th Air Force command chief, were introduced to Team Offutt during their first official visit to base, Feb. 21-23.

The stop at Offutt was one of many for the new commander and command chief as they visit each base under 12th AF to get a better sense of how they contribute to the warfighters downrange.

"What I really want to do is get out and see your missions," Rand said. "Every day for 21 years [the U.S.] has had Airmen in harm's way, in combat, and no one has been in combat more than [the 55th] Wing."

The visit was not only to introduce new 12th AF leadership to the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth but also to let Offutt Airmen know the commanders thoughts and priorities.

"My number one priority is to support the warfighter, the Airmen in that fight and their families who are supporting them," Rand said. "That is personal to me."

Along with the priorities Rand mentioned, one subject that 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 170 Airmen asked to leave the Air Force from 12th AF last year because they were not physically fit.

"You know who suffers when unfit Airmen can't do their job," Rand asked. "It's the Soldier, Marine, Sailor and Airman on the ground [in combat] that was counting on that Airman to do their job."

If Airmen don't want to stay fit, get out of the Air Force, he added.

Tapia mentioned that he has seen a lot of changes in the Air Force in his 100 days as the 12th AF command chief. One item in particular he mentioned is how Offutt is one of 18 bases testing the new Airman comprehensive assessment feedback process.

"There is a self assessment piece in [the new feedback] that talks about things we haven't been counseled on before like finances," Tapia said. "If it works here, it will go Air Force wide."

Tapia also used the visit to share his views on the many facets of good leadership and the best way to be a leader. One of the items he stressed was that nothing beats face-to-face leadership.

Rand had some advice that will benefit all Airmen.

"Technical proficiency is first, do your job well," Rand said. "Take care of yourself physically, professionally and spiritually and take care or your families - those are priorities."

Rand and Tapia enjoyed a breakfast with senior NCO's, visited the Ehrling Bergquist Clinic, went a round of paintball with security forces at the 55th Security Forces Squadron's Shoot House and more. Before they departed Offutt, Rand expressed his appreciation to the Airmen and their families.

"I want to thank you for your service and what you do for our Air Force and our country," Rand said. "I also want to thank your families; I appreciate what they do for us and what they do for you."