PACAF command chief focus on the Strategic Airman

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AB, Japan --  Pacific Air Force's top enlisted leader visited here June 2-7 to thank the men, women and families of Kadena Air Base for their service to the nation and to update the base on current command issues. 

PACAF Command Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Bishop spoke with Airmen about a variety of topics, including the role of the "Strategic Airman" in affecting the mission. 

"The Airman on Okinawa today has strategic impact that affects our ability to continue to operate at Kadena to ensure peace and stability in the Pacific and provide for the defense of the United States of America," said Chief Master Sgt. Bishop. 

The chief stressed the importance of first-line supervisors to instill the right attitude in their Airmen and the need to be absolute professionals at all times, whether on-duty or off. 

"Wherever we go, whatever we do, everyone knows we are Airmen of the U.S. Air Force," said the chief. 

Chief Master Sgt. Bishop spoke about challenges Airmen will face in the coming years to execute command and Air Force initiatives. Resources and manpower will be required to bed down new weapons systems PACAF is bringing to the theater, such as the F-22 Raptors, C-17 Globemasters and the Global Hawk. 

"Despite the resource constrained environment we're operating in today," said Chief Master Sgt. Bishop, "we have to execute our mission and overcome this enormous challenge." 

One way to meet the challenge is by improving processes through programs such as Air Force Smart Operations 21, said the chief. AFSO 21 increases manpower efficiencies, improves operations, and saves money. 

"We must use AFSO 21 to look at everything we do across the Pacific today and find ways to become more efficient," said Chief Master Sgt. Bishop. 

A great example here is the 18th Civil Engineer Group, he added. They have created an environmental control shop that monitors water, air, and electricity throughout all Kadena facilities. 

"The project may seem simple but the utility bill that we pay is $70 million here annually," he said. "We have to find a way to be more efficient and using AFSO 21 can save money, improve processes and help us overcome the resource constraints on the base." 

Airmen on Kadena are meeting PACAF mission requirements as well as supporting the Global War on Terrorism with less people, he said. This also goes for sister services on Kadena. 

Chief Bishop echoed the Chief of Staff of the Air Force message that deployments and their length will probably increase. He also said the Air Force commitment to ground operations in theater will continue since these are no longer just Army or Marine missions. 

"We are a nation at war and we have certain responsibilities to fulfill in the U.S. Central Command's theater of operations," said Chief Master Sgt. Bishop. "We have tremendously qualified Airmen who are doing incredible things in that AOR and as long as we have Airmen available to execute the mission that needs to get done, we will continue to support this war." 

The command chief also delivered good news for those concerned about the weight of the new Airman Battle Uniform. Air Force Material Command is making changes to the blouse so Airmen can cope better in hot environments. 

"I'm wearing the 8.0 weighted material right now," said Chief Master Sgt. Bishop. "They're looking at a new top that will be about a 6.0 material with the same durability. As the body heat rises, it will dissipate easier, making it a more comfortable uniform to wear, especially in CENTCOM or here on Kadena." 

AFMC is still looking for more opportunities to improve the fitness gear, said the chief. 

The Air Force also has a new service dress coming out that will reflect Airmen heritage. 

"It's a great uniform," said Chief Master Sgt. Bishop. "A better quality material, better fit uniform that makes us look like the professional Airmen we truly are." 

Leaders today are not only improving the image of professionalism in Airmen through uniform improvements, but also the lifestyle of Air Force families by building better facilities such as new exchanges, dormitories, renovating fitness centers and housing. 

Families are key members of the team. 

"We owe a debt of gratitude to our families," said Chief Master Sgt. Bishop. "They serve and they sacrifice as much, if not more, than we do." 

Despite all the challenges in the Pacific, the command is blessed to have great men and women on Kadena, said the chief. 

"I say thank you for what you do each and every day to maintain peace and stability in the Pacific, to secure the defense of the nation and to represent our Air Force."