Commentary - It's showtime for 18th WG

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy
  • 18th Wing commander
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Shogun Warriors!

It's game time. Over the past year, you have demonstrated remarkable resilience and professionalism through our high operations tempo day-to-day mission, through multiple LOREs, and through--count'em--SEVEN typhoons.

You have exceeded wing goals and expectations, working countless hours during the week and on weekends, earning multiple higher headquarters and AF-level awards, strengthening our relationship with our host nation and giving your all across the diverse array of our Pacific and global mission set.

Let there be no doubt that YOU are the tip of the spear; the vanguard of peace and stability in the region. You know your jobs cold and demonstrate it every day...your lethality, demonstrable core values, drive and determination are the envy of the world. Indeed, you are a pearl of great price...America and Japan's national treasure.

Now comes the easy part. It is time to show the PACAF IG Team how responsive, adaptive, lethal and professional we are. We can go ANYWHERE in the world, support any contingency when called upon and get the j-o-b DONE.

During the next two weeks, dig deep and give it all you've got...and give it with enthusiasm and a quiet sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that you are MORE than ready. Do not shirk away from engaging the IG but rather confidently engage them--ask them if they have any questions and make the most of the opportunity to brag about your mission set and your team's unmatchable performance.

Let's proudly show them why we are called the Keystone of the Pacific!

I'd wish you luck but it's not required, therefore I'll simply close with reminding you of how very proud the command chief and I are to serve alongside you.