US Air Force, SAN ANTONIO: On the 66th anniversary of the historic Doolittle Raid on imperial Japan, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley gathered every Air Force general officer and senior civilian to chart the future of air, space and cyberspace power at the Blue Summit.
During this biennial two-day event, Secretary Wynne noted the Air Force carries on the Doolittle Raiders' tradition by “providing today's policy makers a spectrum of sovereign options.”
“Air Force capabilities in air, space and cyberspace domains help shape the global strategic environment,” the secretary said.
General Moseley said Air Force priorities of Winning Today's Fight, Taking Care of Airmen and Preparing for Tomorrow's Challenges will provide 21st century capabilities to the nation's joint military team in the spirit of Jimmy Doolittle's Airmen.
“When Army Air Forces' B-25s flew off of a Navy aircraft carrier to deliver airpower to the enemy, the result was a victory that transformed the mindset of a nation at war through our joint military efforts,” said General Moseley. “Today's Air Force is part of America's joint team providing air, space and cyberspace effects to the modern warfighter.”
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said winning the long war is not possible without the service's most valuable resource — people.
“For more than 60 years, and particularly the past 17, our Airmen have remarkably proven themselves as global first responders in times of crisis, taking action anytime, anywhere,” said Chief McKinley, emphasizing that today's leaders secure tomorrow's future by ensuring Airmen are well-trained and ready for expeditionary war fighting responsibilities.
This was the first Blue Summit for many general officers, including Brig. Gen. Paul L. Sampson, mobilization assistant to the commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins Air Force Bases, Ga.
“I came here knowing our Air Force vision, but hearing Secretary Wynne and General Moseley in person adds tremendous value to understanding how our Total Force will succeed in 21st century warfare,” General Sampson said.
Lt. Gen. Ray Johns, deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs, said, “During the previous Blue Summit, the chief of staff provided a flight path for the Air Force to follow. Two years later, we are on the right vector to invest in our future so our Air Force maintains a credible deterrent against potential adversaries.”
Secretary Wynne concluded the conference by stating that dominating air, space and cyberspace magnifies the combat capabilities of joint and coalition forces and provides the country's leaders a variety of strategic alternatives to ensure the defense of the United States and its allies.
“Our Airmen, like our fellow warriors of the Doolittle Raid, have been tested in the crucible of war,” the secretary said. “They have been found worthy and have forever changed the way the joint team fights.
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