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Andersen educates Airmen on Pacific Airpower

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Whitney Tucker
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - --  Revered as the cornerstone of airpower in the Asia-Pacific region, Andersen is prepared to provide support to neighboring allies at a moment's notice.

Team Andersen Airmen, the heartbeat of the mission here, had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the mission and the role they play in it during a Pacific Airpower Tour March 9.

"It is critical that Airmen here understand our wing's exciting mission and feel invested in it," said Patricia Gay, 36th Wing Public Affairs Community Relations representative. "Whether you are a cook or work in personnel, every job contributes to the wing's mission. Everyone who works on or off the flightline plays an essential role in what we do here."

The desire of Brig. Gen. John Doucette, 36th Wing commander, to communicate this to Airmen resulted in the decision to conduct monthly Pacific Airpower Tours.

"Airmen are our most valuable asset," General Doucette said. "Ensuring that all of our Airmen are knowledgeable about the Wing's mission and the role they have in supporting it is essential."

The tour, geared toward Airmen and junior noncommissioned officers, kicked off with a briefing and question-and-answer session. Tour participants then visited the flightline and got an up-close look at the RQ-4 Global Hawk, the base's newest addition and only permanently-stationed aircraft.

The RQ-4 Global Hawk is capable of providing government and military decision makers near real-time, high-altitude, long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance imagery that can support a full spectrum of operations.

After learning about the Global Hawk, air and ground crew members from the 506 Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron gave Airmen a comprehensive look at a KC-135R Stratotanker, an aerial refueling aircraft.

Through mid-air refueling, KC-135 tankers allow the receiving aircraft to remain airborne longer, and ultimately extend its range and those of its weapons systems demonstrating U.S. global reach and global power capabilities.

During the final leg of the tour, participants visited the B-52 Stratofortress, highlighting the Wing's commitment to the Continuous Bomber Presence.

The rotation of bomber aircraft is specifically designed to enhance regional security and demonstrate the United States' commitment to stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The CBP also allows the opportunity to integrate bombers into joint and coalition training exercises in the Pacific.

After the completion of the tour, participants completed a survey to help shape future Pacific Airpower Tours.

"Overall, we accomplished what we set out to," Ms. Gay said. "Overwhelmingly, the participants agreed that the tour increased their knowledge and understanding of the Wing's mission and capabilities. We look forward to offering this opportunity to all Andersen Airmen."

The Pacific Airpower Tour will be conducted each month. To participate, Airmen should contact their First Sergeant or inform their supervisor.