US Air Force,
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England: Hundreds of Royal Air Force Lakenheath Airmen gathered to welcome the new U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander Feb. 1 here.
Gen. Roger A. Brady gave Airmen a thumbnail view of how USAFE and RAF Lakenheath fit into the Air Force mission and discussed the three USAFE priorities: Winning today, building for tomorrow and preparing Airmen always.
While discussing the priority of winning today, General Brady said USAFE is directly involved in the fight with more than 2,600 Airmen deployed, 28 air contingencies in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and continual air policing support for NATO.
In addition to winning today, Airman have to prepare for tomorrow, the general said.
“In all cases, we have to make sure all Airmen are prepared to move forward,” he said. “The most important thing that all of us have to do is to continue to develop ourselves and train our replacements.”
The general then discussed the priority of building for tomorrow. He stressed the importance of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century and commended USAFE Airmen for their efforts.
“It is incredibly important for us to use the dollars that we have in the best way we can,” General Brady said. “AFSO 21 is about making the place where you are better; it is about doing things better. If AFSO 21 is just another thing to do, then we are not doing it right.”
General Brady added said an important part of AFSO 21 is listening to Airmen at the basic level of activity.
While discussing the final priority, preparing Airmen always, the general said this priority involves taking care of Airmen personally and professionally.
General Brady encouraged officers and NCOs to mentor Airmen and stressed the importance of taking advantage of the education and development opportunities the Air Force affords them.
The four-star general also mentioned the importance of fitness. He said Airmen need to be not only physically fit, but also mentally and financially fit.
General Brady discussed his plans for USAFE's quality of life programs.
“One of the things I want to do is make USAFE a microcosm for how we look at the broader Air Force,” General Brady said. “I'm going to find out from you what the most important quality of life initiatives are.”
General Brady said he wants USAFE to focus on what will ensure that Air Force families can grow and develop.
“The quality of life I am concerned about is the quality of life that makes it possible for you to stay with us and serve,” he said. “The programs and the processes that make the difference are the ones I am interested in advancing.”
