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14th AF commander tours Vandenberg
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Lt. Gen. Jay Raymond, commander, 14th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic) and Joint Functional Component Command for Space, recently did an immersion with the 30th Space Wing to gain a better appreciation for the wing's mission and toured VAFB base facilities to meet with base personnel on Feb. 17.
As part of Raymond's visit, he viewed a showcase of base operations support from the 30th Mission Support Group, had lunch with Airmen, and toured the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance firing range, as well as other units on base. Additionally, he held an all-call where he addressed the present state of the Air Force and its future.
"The immersion day was an opportunity for Lt. Gen. Raymond to get a first-hand look at the great work accomplished every day by the Airmen of Team V," said Capt. Nicholas Mercurio, 14th AF director of public affairs. "The 30th Space Wing is unique in that it is the host wing for 14th AF and Joint Functional Component Command for Space, so it was a chance to recognize our outstanding Airmen and say thank you for all the fantastic support Vandenberg provides."
During the 30th MSG showcase, Raymond received hands-on demonstrations from the Warfighters in Team V across multiple mission areas.
"It's always a thrill to highlight our program and brag about what we do to protect the mission at Vandenberg," said Staff Sgt. Rian Hudson, 30th Security Forces Squadron assistant noncommissioned officer in-charge of small unmanned aircraft systems operations. "His visit was an excellent opportunity to show off our capabilities and how we manage our program."
Raymond's day-long tour culminated in an all-call where he addressed the base populace and praised Vandenberg and its personnel for the vitally important missions they execute on a daily basis in support of our Nation.
"Vandenberg is national treasure because we are the only base that can launch satellites into polar orbit," said Raymond. "You are vital to ensuring we maintain assured access to space. We could not perform our mission without you."
Raymond also stressed the increasing value of those who serve in today's Air Force.
"Operations today, in a lot of ways, leave us one deep," said Raymond. "What that means is the value of each and every Airman is higher than it's ever been in the history of our Air Force and fueled by tremendous leadership is the reason we are the greatest fighting force on the planet."