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One on one with Airmen

Gen. Darren McDew, Air Mobility Command commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Victoria Gamble, AMC command chief, share anecdotal insights from their respective careers during a breakfast with staff sergeants May 21, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. McDew and Gamble spoke with the staff sergeants, answered their questions and emphasized their importance as the backbone of the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nicolo J. Daniello)

Speaking with chaplains

Evelyn McDew, wife of Air Mobility Command commander, Gen. Darren McDew, speaks with the chapel staff May 21, 2015, in the Red Morgan Center at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Mrs. McDew met with the chaplains and other staff members to learn about the different services the chapel offers. She was informed of the renovations the chapel building is currently under, but was made aware the chapel is still providing services at the Red Morgan Center. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous)

All smiles

Gen. Darren McDew, Air Mobility Command commander, receives a brief about the Red Morgan Center from Maj. Daniel Rigsbee, 92nd Force Support Squadron commander, May 20, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Rigsbee told the story of Lt. Col. John “Red” Morgan, a Medal of Honor recipient, and how his actions impacted Fairchild Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nicolo J. Daniello)

AMC/CC visits Mobility Airmen at Fairchild

Published May 26, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Nicolo J. Daniello
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- During his visit to Fairchild May 20 and 21, Gen. Darren McDew said Fairchild's Airmen are uniquely qualified to be at the front end of global mobility.

The general took the reins of Air Mobility Command a year ago and has made it a goal to visit with Airmen in person to explain his goals, priorities and expectations for everyone in the command.

During his two-day visit, the general had breakfast with Fairchild staff sergeants, recognized the installations star performers and held an all call with Airmen. The general said he feels it's important for him to be visible to his command and share AMC's vision on a personal level.

"The mission of air refueling is one that no one can do without," McDew said. "The importance of the tanker cannot be overstated."

The general went on to speak about the KC-135 Stratotanker's versatility and longevity throughout its years since the first one took to the air nearly 60 years ago, as well as the Airmen who make it possible.

"We're doing as many things with this airplane that we can from going through depot and making sure all the structures are doing what we think they should be doing at this stage, but we're in uncharted territory," he said. "We're flying an airplane longer than we've flown an airplane before and we have to take special care of our Airmen through great training, and do as many things as we can to ensure that the timelines we keep for maintenance are complied with. I'm very comfortable with how well our Airmen maintain the airplane. I can't imagine having flown the airplane without our great maintainers."

According to McDew, the innovative ideas and efforts by Airmen at all levels are what will keep the KC-135 operational for years to come.

"There are a variety of upgrades and maintenance function consolidation efforts underway, some of which will happen right here at Fairchild Air Force Base -- the Center of Excellence for Air Refueling," the general said. "It's not just the formal plans set in motion by the AMC that will keep the KC-135 in the air -- rather, it's going to be the innovative ideas and efforts by Airmen at all levels that keep this aging aircraft doing what it's designed to do. One good example of this kind of thinking is the 92nd Maintenance Squadron using 3-D imaging to create out-of-production parts; air dominance happens one Airman at a time."

McDew said that although the KC-135 is one of the Air Force's oldest airframes, it's the backbone of air refueling in the U.S. military.

"Fairchild will remain at the tip of the mobility spear because of its Airmen, proven mission capability and strategic location," he said. "Fairchild will continue to be one of AMC's go-to bases to support missions today, tomorrow and years down the road.

"The ops tempo has been busy, and looks to remain so for a while. We're counting on commanders, supervisors and all Airmen to find the right balance between work, family and fun," McDew added.

He said today's Air Force needs leaders at all levels.

"You don't need a special job title or a particular rank to be a leader; leadership at all levels is what makes our Air Force special, and the best in the world," the general said. "We are all entrusted with a vital part of the mission of the Air Force. Each of us has a contribution to make; don't wait for someone to let you lead -- just lead, every day."

McDew said Fairchild will be at the forefront of not just innovation, but operational mobility moving forward. He also thanked Team Fairchild for their commitment to excellence each and every day.

"Thank you, to the Airmen of Fairchild Air Force Base," he said. "I'm just wrapping up my first year in command at AMC, and visits like this--where I see first-hand the hard work and dedication of our Airmen -- reaffirm for me that the future of our Air Force is in excellent hands."