18th Air Force commander visits Travis

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Madelyn Ottem
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Lt. Gen. Mark Ramsay, 18th Air Force commander, and Mrs. Patty Ramsay visited here Tuesday through Thursday to speak with Airmen, meet with installation leadership, and learn about the base's dynamic mission.

Team Travis' unique capabilities were showcased to Ramsay during a tour of the base's facilities, including those of the 60th Air Mobility Wing's tenant and partner units. Ramsay said he was most impressed by "the shining attitudes of the Airmen and personnel who make the mission happen."

Ramsay also took time to offer his personal insights on the challenges Airmen face as the Air Force moves into a new era characterized by budget and force structure concerns.
"As the focus of operations shifts from Afghanistan and Southwest Asia to the Pacific Rim, Travis will be relied on to provide mobility forces," Ramsay said.

He also noted that another change impacting the Air Force was the methods with which Airmen were communicating. While encouraging the use of social media to tell the Air Force story, he also noted the importance of using it responsibly.

"As an institution we are the profession of arms," he said. "The American people trust us to be held accountable to a higher standard. We have to demand more from ourselves."
Ramsay also encouraged Travis Airmen to speak up if they have an idea that can potentially save the Air Force money or resources.

"Now more than ever, we need Airmen to be innovators," he said. "Challenge the status quo."

One specific aspect in which innovators at Travis impacted the Air Force was through the creation of the electronic flight bag, an initiative created to reduce inefficiencies for aircrew while using fewer resources.

"Two years ago this idea came out of Travis and now it's a reality," the 18th Air Force commander said.

He added that as the Air Force continues to develop and change, it is important that Airmen stay flexible, adapt and overcome, as well as take advantage of benefits the Air Force can offer.

"Now is the time to take advantage of education benefits," Ramsay said. "We want Airmen to be as broad and deep as they can possibly be. While performance matters the most, at the same time, it only makes the institution stronger to take advantage of what is offered to you."

In closing, Ramsay encouraged all Airmen to strive to make themselves better Airmen, wingmen, and people while lifting up those around you.

"We are members of the noblest profession on the planet," he said. "I'm so proud to serve with you and so thankful for the support from families. We are ordinary Airmen who do extraordinary things every day."