JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The commander of Air Combat Command spent three days visiting organizations at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., to become familiar with their missions and operations.
Gen. Mike Hostage's visit March 27-29 included breakfast with junior Airmen at the Crossbow dining facility, an in-depth look at F-22 Raptor and T-38 Talon operations on the Langley Air Force Base flightline, and a day at Fort Eustis touring facilities such as the 3rd Port, Hank Yards and U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. Hostage said he was thoroughly impressed with the teamwork shown across the entire spectrum of the 633rd Air Base Wing.
"Geographically, this is one of the more challenging locations for joint basing. With that said, I'm very impressed with the strength of the relationship between both installations," said Hostage. "Clearly Colonel Auch (633rd ABW commander) has the right sight picture, and I think his organization has the right idea about how they are supporting Joint Base Langley-Eustis. It's not about supporting the Air Force or the Army; it's about supporting the team, which is the right way to look at it."
Hostage, who took command of ACC in September 2011, is on his third assignment at Langley. In his opinion, the base is in great shape, and the services on both bases are world class.
"The 633rd is a new construct; it wasn't here when I was here before," said Hostage, describing how the 1st Fighter Wing used to be responsible for all aspects of support. "Now, the 1st Fighter Wing is able to focus more on its fundamental mission of providing combat airpower, and the intelligence wings are able to focus on their end of the mission. The 633rd Air Base Wing holds it all together, and acts as the backbone for the whole organization."
Hostage's immersion at JBLE was also an opportunity for him to share his perspective and the way ahead for ACC. Hostage addressed a capacity crowd of Airmen and civilians at the 1st FW Static-Display Hangar March 28, and covered a wide variety of key Air Force issues.
"It's a real privilege for me to be a part of Air Combat Command. I've been in the business of conventional, air combat for 35 years, and to finally get to be here as commander is a real honor. I take it very seriously, and I enjoy every bit of it," Hostage said.
One of the main concerns during the all call was how the current budget will affect operations. Hostage took several questions from the audience, and said his focus is to make sure we have a fully-effective combat force.
"The worst phrase on the planet I can think of is 'Do more with less.' To me that is the battle cry of a hollow force, and that is the last thing we can afford right now. As we adjust to the fiscal realities that face us, I'll do everything I can to make sure that nothing hollows our force," Hostage said. "The key for you is to focus on the mission that needs to get done. We are going to make sure the most critical parts of our mission, the things we absolutely must do for mission success, are going to get done."
The commander also took time to emphasize the important role of all Airmen, regardless of career field specialty, in the continued success of ACC.
"Whether you're flying airplanes or dropping ordnance at the tip of the spear, whether you're driving a fuel truck to put gas on an airplane, fixing the avionics on that airplane, or feeding the Airmen out there, you are all a critical part of the mission," Hostage said. "Understand that whatever you do connects to our fundamental mission, which is to produce combat airpower for the United States."
In his previous position as the commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Hostage spent two years leading Airmen who provided the air component for joint operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places in the region. He said that assignment gave him a great appreciation of the Air Force's true capability.
"Any time I needed a capability, I picked up the phone and got what I needed, when I needed it. It was fully effective, and it made airpower what our joint partners needed it to be," Hostage said. "As we move forward, my job here in Air Combat Command, and all of your collective jobs with me, is to organize, train and equip to make sure we have fully-effective combat forces when we get the nation's call to go forward."
The recently released 2012 ACC Strategic Plan is Hostage's guidance for developing and managing the capabilities required to deliver combat airpower for the nation. In the forward, he said advancing the proud heritage of providing combat airpower will require a delicate balance of preserving current capabilities, while preparing to meet the challenges of the future.
"We must, and I have full confidence that we will, continue ACC's magnificent record of achievement and excellence in securing the high ground, and delivering dominant combat airpower for America."