Letter to Airmen: The Year of Rapid Global Mobility

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Mobility Airmen,

This was a challenging year for our command, and mission success would not have been possible without your dedication and hard work.  In the face of budget uncertainty and force management decisions you continue to effectively accomplish the mission on a global scale in an environment with insatiable demand for the capability you provide.  In short, you continue to hit homeruns.

2014 was the year of Rapid Global Mobility.  We executed operations on every continent, even in Antarctica where C-17 and C-130 crews resupply the National Science Foundation.  No other military in the world matches our ability to project such power.

ln support of Operation UNITED ASSISTANCE, mobility Airmen opened aerial ports to expedite our nation's response to the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa.  Our great Airmen are on the leading edge of this crisis, serving a vital role to stem the spread of this deadly epidemic.

In execution of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, our aircrews recently performed airdrop missions to resupply refugees and allies in the fight against ISIL.  Contingency Response forces paved the way for over 300 safe missions into those hostile locations.  None of this would have been possible without vital air refueling missions to enable close air support.

In the course of drawing down from Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, we made great strides to complete the monumental task of moving more than a decade's worth of accumulated equipment out of Afghanistan. The Rapid Global Mobility capabilities you provide give America 's leaders the tools to help our allies and defeat our enemies.

As you celebrate the holidays, take time to focus on two very important responsibilities.  Take care of yourselves and take care of your families.  For those of you who will spend the holidays away from loved ones...thank you for your service!  I look forward to your safe return.

Thank you for what you do every day, it is my honor to serve with you.