19th AF Command Chief experiences Columbus

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The 19th Air Force command chief master sergeant came to visit Columbus Air Force Base for the first time in his career to gain a better understanding of the 14th Flying Training Wing and its Airmen May 10 to 11.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams learned about the base's mission, its Airmen, and its community to form his initial impressions about the base.

"I had no idea what to expect, but I will tell you that it is a little gem tucked away in the state of Mississippi," said Chief Williams. "Everybody here was professional."

Chief Williams also gave feedback to the enlisted Airmen of Team BLAZE during his enlisted call where he talked about the responsibilities of being an Airman in today's Air Force, force balancing, the planned deactivation of the 19th AF and the relocation of its assets and other topics relevant to Columbus AFB's enlisted Airmen.

"A lot of people ask what is going to happen to the wings. If we do this right this will be transparent to the wings..." assured Chief Williams.

The call was also opened up for questions from the base's Airmen which expanded on the call's topics and elicited leadership lessons from the command chief.

"I was impressed with the questions that were asked during the enlisted call," said Chief Williams. "Those questions gave me a sense that they were in tune to not just Columbus AFB but to the big Air Force."

Chief Williams also expressed his goals for the 19th AF's enlisted force of being relevant, inspiring leadership and professional pride. He said from the first time he was introduced to the base's mission, he thought it fit perfectly.

"The mission statement of Columbus AFB is spot on: "Producing Pilots, Advancing Airmen and Feeding the Fight," he said. "I will tell you that Advancing Airmen is important to me, and I have been totally impressed by the base."