Secretary of the Air Force visits Team Andersen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Miranda Moorer
  • 36 Wing/Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynn got a first-hand look at the base other leaders have called "the strategic tip of the Pacific spear" in his visit here, Oct. 4. 

During his visit, members of Team Andersen gathered in the base theatre for the SECAF Call and watched a video highlighting the Air Force's role in the war on terrorism and how the service succeeds in its domains of air, space and cyberspace.

Secretary Wynn said those of us here in Guam, "are sitting in a fascinating theatre of operation. This piece of real-estate is incredibly valuable as we realize and recognize that the 21st century is the era of the Pacific."

Secretary Wynn had much to say about the importance of Andersen and its strategic location. 

"If you look around, you're essentially two or three hours flight time from everywhere that's important to the Pacific," he said. "Because we have been here, Japan has prospered. Because we are here and on the Korean Peninsula, Korea has prospered. Because we are here, Singapore has prospered."

The focus of the Secretary's visit was to meet with Airmen directly and view the base's daily operations and the role these operations play in support of the Global War on Terrorism. 

Airman 1st Class Jesus Gutierrez, 36th Operations Squadron , said, "It was very motivating to see the Secretary come around and show his concern for our participation in the war and give us praise for what we do everyday. Visits like this bring up the morale."

"The SECAF Call was pretty informative, it was nice to see what someone above our headquarters thinks of where the Air Force is going," said Staff Sgt. Julius Perry, 36th Communications Squadron.

During Wynn's visit, he also received a tour of the base that included a 36th Wing mission brief and a look inside the base control tower. Later that evening, the Secretary enjoyed an island casual dinner with senior leadership and local leaders at Sam Choy's in Tumon.

The Secretary wrapped up his visit to Andersen on Oct. 5.