Commander hosts first CC call of 2015

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Luke W. Nowakowski
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Members of the 460th Space Wing gathered for the first commander's call of the year Feb. 18 at the Buckley Fitness Center on Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado.

The 460th SW commander spoke of Buckley's ongoing global mission and addressed questions and concerns brought up by Airmen. In addition, Buckley's sexual assault response coordinator spoke on the Air Force's continued effort to eliminate sexual assault.

Col. John Wagner, 460th Space Wing commander, also discussed everything from Buckley's relationship with the surrounding community to wing priorities to the reshaping of the Air Force and what it means to current and future Airmen.

One point of emphasis driven home was that changing global dynamics are affecting the way in which the Air Force operates. These changes are creating new challenges that today's Airmen must face.

"Shift is happening, and it's happening fast," Wagner said. "We need you to think every day. We need your thoughts, we need your innovation. Every member of the team is a valuable contributor."

Particular points of interest emphasized during the commander's call included past events and successes, Chief of Staff of the Air Force priorities, and Wagner's strategic guidance regarding his priorities for Buckley.

Past events and successes

In the last quarter of 2014, Buckley hosted Gen. John E. Hyten, Commander of Air Force Space Command, and Adm. William E. Gortney, Commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command U.S. Northern Command.

During the holiday season, Buckley held and participated in such events as Breakfast with Santa, the 460th Mission Support Group holiday bus and SnoFest, amongst other camaraderie-based events.   

Wagner also recognized the great work Airmen at Buckley continue to do every day and pointed to the many awards won by base members.

"Bottom line is you are all winning awards all over the place, which is amazing," Wagner said. The wing has won numerous AFSPC and Air Force-level awards.

CSAF priorities and direction forward

Wagner had an opportunity to interact with Gen. Mark A. Welsh, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, who laid out priorities of the Air Force. Wagner's interaction with Welsh produced insight into where the Air Force is going and what needs to be done to preserve our air, space and cyberspace dominance for the future. Two major points of focus Wagner highlighted following his and other Air Force leaders' interaction with Welsh included hitting the reset button as a reminder of what it means to be an Airmen and effective communication.

Other key areas of focus included mission focus, strategic planning, commitment to core values, pride and developmental planning.

Global vigilance, global reach and global power were emphasized as the three most important aspects of the Air Force mission.

With Buckley's main mission being one of persistent global surveillance, Wagner stated he was proud of Buckley leading the way. 

"The Air Force does three things pretty well: global vigilance, global reach and global power," Wagner said. "One of the largest portions of global vigilance happens right here on Buckley Air Force Base. Nobody does global vigilance better than we do."

Wagner discussed how the base fits into the big Air Force picture and the priorities the wing needs to address. These priorities include:

- Maximizing Missile Warning and Overhead Persistent Infrared Operations
- Delivering Outstanding Installation Support
- Supporting and Rewarding Team Buckley Personnel and their Families
- Integrating the Air Force Inspection System into the 460th Space Wing

Wagner brought up leadership, zero tolerance for discrimination and team building as important points of interest for progression as a base.

Wagner stated he wants the best for the base and wants leadership and Airmen to strive for a Buckley that not only excels at its mission, but is also an enjoyable place to work and live.

"Our goal is to make this the best installation in the United States Air Force to live and work," Wagner said. "So when you leave Buckley Air Force Base and go to a tropical isle or a climate that you've always wanted to go to, you say to yourself, 'Man, this is a nice base, but it's not Buckley. What we had at Buckley was something special.'"

Wagner also encouraged Airmen in the audience to address any questions or concerns they had. Team Buckley members brought up topics such as the Mississippi Gate, Air Force Ball, Tri-Wing Sports Day and the possibility of introducing a fourth Air Force core value.

 

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