USAFE leadership visits Spangdahlem

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua R. M. Dewberry
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Gen. Tod D. Wolters, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kaleth Wright, USAFE-AFAFRICA command chief, met with 52nd Fighter Wing Airmen as part of their visit to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Oct. 6, 2016.

Wolters spoke to Airmen about the importance and uniqueness of the wing’s mission priorities and highlighted his own vision since assuming command in August 2016.

“I’m here at what I consider to be the most important installation in the European continent for global security,” Wolters said.

Trust, teamwork and training comprise the three priorities Wolters explained to the Airmen.

“I’m big on teamwork because it’s a force multiplier,” Wolters said. “When we have success, we should celebrate that and also engage in every training event we can.”

Wolters then interacted with Airmen before embarking on a tour of the installation.

Wing leaders introduced the general to all of the major improvements and expansions on the installation, particularly since Spangdahlem earned the Commander-in-Chief Excellence Award for 2016. The installation will later receive the 352nd Special Operations Wing, currently stationed at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, as part of the European Infrastructure Consolidation realignment slated over the coming years.

“The relationship you have with your community builds on the trust you develop with others,” Wolters said. “Continue to do exactly what you’re doing. This wing is renowned for hard work and aggressively training in every one of its many diverse mission sets. Saber Nation is one of the most successful and powerful wings in the Air Force and certainly in USAFE-AFAFRICA.”

Wolters is responsible for Air Force activities, conducted through 3rd Air Force, in an area of operations covering more than 19 million square miles. This area includes 104 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic, Atlantic and Indian oceans, possesses more than a quarter of the world’s population, and generates more than a quarter of the world’s gross domestic product. 

Wright serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the commander on all matters affecting the readiness, training, professional development and effective utilization of more than 21,000 enlisted force personnel.