Feature Search

11th AF commander visits Team Andersen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert Hicks
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  The 11th Air Force commander met with Team Andersen Airmen during an all call at the Coral Reef Fitness Center Feb. 25, 2015, to discuss several topics important not only to the Pacific, but the entire Air Force.

Lt. Gen. Russell Handy, 11th AF commander, discussed how Andersen displays the Pacific Air Forces top priorities, which include theater security cooperation, integrated air and missile defense, power projection, agile and flexible command and control, and resilient Airmen.

"Guam is the perfect place to showcase our theater security cooperation," Handy said. "Take a look around today and notice everyone here for Cope North. They each have their own training venues, but the tools the 36th Wing has and its ability to bring our partners together to train and be prepared for any possible contingency operation is invaluable." 

Handy went on to explain Guam's strategic location and how it is the most western piece of sovereign territory that can project airpower.

Based on its proximity to so many world powers, the 36th Wing can triple or quadruple mission capabilities compared to state-side installations, he said. Guam also provides many options in the region that bases in other countries can't due to various treaties and agreements.

He also touched on plans to upgrade Andersen's facilities to match the amount of incoming personnel with the president's rebalance to the Pacific. 

"Team Andersen's infrastructure is right sized for the continuous bomber presence and for the wing to do its day-to-day mission, but not for the future plans we have for the base," Handy said. "Our first priority will be to build the infrastructures needed to improve the quality of life for our Airmen."

Handy sought to reassure the members of Team Andersen that the wing and 11th Air Force are working to delegate appropriate manpower to support the large number of forces coming through.

"In the future you will see an evolution in how we use our forces on Andersen," Handy said. "We will continue to modernize our fleet and refocus our core values. Part of that is taking care of you."

He ended the all call by thanking the Airmen for serving during these difficult times.

"I want to thank each and every one of you for your service and for what you do not just here at this strategic location on Andersen, but for serving your nation at a particular challenging time," Handy said.