Barksdale Airmen welcome 18th CMSAF
By Airman 1st Class Stuart Bright, 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
/ Published February 28, 2017
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The 18th and newest Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Kaleth O. Wright, visited Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Feb. 22 to discuss the future of the Air Force’s enlisted force and receive feedback from the Airmen who serve at headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command and 8th Air Force and the 2nd and 307th Bomb Wings.
Wright took over as the highest enlisted member in the Air Force on Feb. 17. As CMSAF, Wright works alongside the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Secretary of the Air Force, making him a vital conduit for issues from Airmen and the Air Force as a whole to senior leaders and members of Congress.
“As I begin to take on this role, I have thought long and hard about how I can not only help my boss, the CSAF and the SECAF, but most importantly how I can help you and how I can be in the best position to help my Airmen,” Wright said.
During his all call with enlisted Airmen, Wright stressed the importance of training, leadership and resilience, and how they are crucial tools for Airmen. He also talked about his vision for the Air Force, which includes additional enlisted Airmen flying Remotely Piloted Aircraft.
Wright said you don’t become successful or win championships on the field or on the court. You win them in practice through deliberate and focused training.
“I don’t believe we [are] the greatest Air Force in the history of the world by just showing up,” he said. “I wholeheartedly believe it’s the time, the energy, and the effort that you put into training, regardless of what the Air Force asks you to do. I want to make sure our Airmen are well trained, that all of our training programs are efficient and that they’re focused.”
Wright then expounded on deliberate development of Airmen, describing how the enlisted force aims to recruit the right Airmen at the right times, with the right skillsets and with the right attitudes.
“It was great hearing him speak in public,” said Senior Airman Exzavior Webb, 2nd Communications Squadron radio frequency transmissions journeyman. “I enjoyed hearing his ideas, how he saw the Air Force as a whole and his vision for the future. I’m proud to say I was part of this historic moment.”
Airmen like Webb continue to perform the mission of the 2nd Bomb Wing and the Air Force’s newest CMSAF will support the enlisted corps with enthusiasm and perseverance.
“I’m fully prepared and ready to do what’s best for the force,” Wright said.