SecAF visits Kadena

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hailey Davis
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited with Kadena Shoguns here Nov. 21 as part of a multi-day tour to the Pacific.

During his visit, he had breakfast with some of Kadena's junior Airmen and toured the base with Brig. Gen. Matt Molly, 18th Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Mark Marson, 18th Wing command chief. He also spoke to Airmen during a wing-wide briefing at the Keystone Theater.

"I often get asked, 'what is the best part of being the Secretary of the Air Force,' and it's meeting our Airmen," Donley said. "It's seeing our Airmen in their place of work, and seeing the excitement and dedication you all bring to your mission. It is the source of great inspiration to our leadership."

In 2008, Donley became the 22nd Secretary of the Air Force, and 2012 marks his 40th year of dedicated service to the U.S. Air Force, Molloy said.

"It's particularly important to be out this time of the year at the front end of the holiday season," the secretary said. "It's been said before and remains true today that our Airmen and their families make countless sacrifices to serve our Air Force and our nation to keep America secure. This year thousands of family members and Airmen will spend the holidays far from home."

Not only did Donley speak about the upcoming holiday season, he also commended the Shogun's on a job well done during the combined unit and readiness inspections in October.

The secretary also stressed the importance of Air Force culture and going back to basics.

"Misconduct has no place in our Air Force culture," Donley said.

Donley said that if Airmen had followed and lived by Air Force standards, the crimes that were committed would never have happened, but most Airmen fulfill the obligations of their oath.

"Sexual misconduct is a breach of trust that undermines the Airman's confidence in each other," the secretary said. "We risk serious harm to our national security if we fail to maintain good order and discipline that keeps our Air Force ready for any contingency when the nation calls."

He went on to explain that each Airman is an ambassador to the Air Force, the military and the United States of America, regardless of where they are located.

"Together we fulfill our responsibility to protect and strengthen the force, and preserve the confidence of our service members and the American people," Donley added.

After extending thoughts on the budget, the secretary concluded his briefing by answering questions asked by Kadena's Airmen.

"It's been great to be here with you, to meet you and see where you work," Donley said. "It is an honor to serve with you in the world's greatest Air Force."