Key mission partner thanks mobility Airmen

  • Published
  • By Maj. Michael Meridith
  • 18th Air Force
18th Air Force and 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) Airmen hosted a key mission partner here May 13.

Lt. Gen. William H. Etter, Commander, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region - 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern), met with Airmen and leaders of both organizations during his one-day visit, expressing appreciation for their support of his command's role as the air component of U.S. Northern Command.

"We have an outstanding relationship and depend on the capabilities you provide in order to be effective," he said, specifically citing last year's response to Superstorm Sandy. In the wake of the destruction wrought by the storm, Airmen from the two Numbered Air Forces worked together and alongside agencies across the federal government to rapidly deliver thousands of tons of relief supplies, including more than 100 utility trucks to the stricken region.

"Defense support to civil authorities is a key example of a mission set where we work really well together," Etter said, adding that the success of the partnership was underwritten by its greatest resource: people. "You have a fantastic record of Airmen coming up with innovative solutions to our biggest challenges."

Following mission briefings at Headquarters, 18th Air Force and the Tanker Airlift Control Center (as well as meetings with both organization's leaders), Etter took time to speak with mobility Airmen, personally thanking them for their important work. He also offered congratulations on the upcoming 10th anniversary of the 18th Air Force's October 2003 reactivation.

"I'm extremely grateful for what you do. For a decade, you've had a positive impact that has been felt across the globe," Etter said. "Thank you for making rapid global mobility a reality for our Nation."

Gen. Etter commands four direct reporting units, 10 aligned Air National Guard units, and a large number of active air defense alert sites--including aircraft, air defense artillery, and up to 15,000 active duty, National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilian personnel.

In addition, as the Joint Force Air Component Commander for North American Aerospace Defense Command and USNORTHCOM, he is responsible for developing contingency plans and conducting air and space operations in the continental U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as over the maritime approaches to the U.S.