Travis Airmen make the mission happen

  • Published
  • By Col. Steve Arquiette
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As we bid farewell and Godspeed this week to the members of the deploying 21st Airlift Squadron, I reminded them that they and their C-17 Globemasters will be playing a vital role in supporting U.S., and coalition ground forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Having just returned from my four-month deployment of overseeing all of the air refueling, air evacuation, airlift and airdrop in both theaters, I reminded them that combat power projection begins right here with every member of Team Travis. The high levels of personal and professional discipline with which we go about our daily business is absolutely necessary since thousands of ground forces rely on our people and our aircraft to be there on-time with the right support. That support could be food, water, ammunition, or gas from our KC-10s for fighters and bombers; it could be Mine Resistant Ambush Protected armored vehicles delivered on C-5 Galaxy's or C-17s configured with litters to carry our wounded quickly out of the Area of Responsibility for medical care at Landstuhl Hospital in Germany. Every job we do here contributes to the success in the growing stability we're seeing daily in Iraq. We have more work to do, but we are making a big difference!

This same personal and professional discipline will be on display next week as Team Travis has an opportunity to demonstrate why it is the best air mobility wing in the Air Force. We welcome Brig. Gen. Donald Lustig, the AMC Inspector General, and his team of AMC inspectors who will review how we do business in each part of the wing, from operations and maintenance to all areas of support. Our partners in the 349th AMW and the 615th Contingency Response Wing will be getting inspected as well. Collectively, all of Team Travis is ready!

For the past two months we've reviewed and practiced the various procedures that we use day in and day out at Travis. There's integrity in what we do and how we do it. That spirit and sense of pride in how you contribute to the wing's mission is the key to meeting this challenge. It's the same attitude that enabled the wing to win the Rodeo last year. It's the same attitude that enabled the wing to capture best in AMC and AF awards. It's the same attitude that each of you bring to the mission each day.

The inspectors will examine and test you on your knowledge and your ability to contribute to the wing mission. Always remember that people make the mission happen and that inspired people do incredible things. Run your checklists. Never compromise on safety. Take care of yourself and your wingman. Just do what we do everyday; we do the common things in an uncommon manner! Together, these actions will reinforce the links that have enabled the wing to accomplish its important day-to-day mission. This increases the strength of Team Travis, of AMC and ultimately of our Air Force.

It is truly great for me being home and back on the proud team of professionals that we warmly refer to as Team Travis! I look forward to seeing each of you and getting caught up with you in the very near future.

BE PROUD! BE SAFE!