DoD's top enlisted leader tours Kadena

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nestor Cruz
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Department of Defense's top enlisted leader visited Okinawa April 11-13 to see firsthand the role the U.S. military plays on Okinawa to include the missions at Kadena. 

Army Command Sgt. Maj. William Gainey, the senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors assigned here and discussed the importance of working in a joint forces environment. 

As the first person appointed to the position of SEAC, Sergeant Major Gainey advises the Chairman on professional development issues of enlisted members in a joint environment. 

"My biggest goal is to have all the military branches realize we are more alike than different," Sergeant Major Gainey said. He said each branch must focus on taking care of its members, including improved training, being properly equipped and improving quality of life for active-duty members and their families. 

Although members from different branches wear different uniforms, Sergeant Major Gainey pointed out a common detail found on all uniforms: "U.S." 

"We need to get our enlisted leadership to break down culture barriers between our services and realize we are truly one force fighting one war," he said. "When you work by your sister services, it teaches you their culture and what makes them click and that experience shapes us to become better leaders." 

After touring various locations on Kadena, Sergeant Major Gainey said he was excited to meet joint warfighters firsthand and impressed with Kadena's warfighting capabilities. He referred to Kadena as "the tip of the spear of the Pacific Region." 

"Kadena is an excellent example for other units to follow," the command sergeant major said. "These past few days really charged my batteries. Team Kadena has the most energetic and dedicated group of men and women. They are very lucky to have each other and leadership who care enough to care." 

Sergeant Major Gainey said the key to winning the Global War on Terror is continued joint operations. 

"Coalition forces are a necessity," the SEAC said. "I see the future of joint operations where we have a better understanding of each other's capabilities and all the services truly realize we can't do this alone or as a nation. This is a war we can't afford to lose. If we do lose, it will only happen by lack of support from our citizens back home." 

Sergeant Major Gainey offered a few pieces of leadership advice to today's Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors soon to become leaders themselves. 

"Never forget where you came from," Sergeant Major Gainey said. "Always strive to be the best and always focus on your troops. If you take care of them, they will definitely take care of you. As a leader, we must never forget that we are on their team."