Lt. Gen. Everhart visits Dyess

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, 18th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Robert Rodewald, 18th AF command chief, visited the 317th Airlift Group and 7th Bomb Wing units here Aug. 26-27.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the 317th AG's mission, accomplishments and challenges, Everhart received a mission overview and key issues briefing from 317th AG leaders, and participated in a video teleconference with commanders of the group's deployed units. He also conducted a virtual flight in the C-130J simulator the 317th AG debuted in April.

The 317th AG, which is assigned to Air Mobility Command, 18th Air Force, has played a pivotal role in global combat airlift operations for the past several years. During his visit, Everhart affirmed the group's significant contributions to Overseas Contingency Operations and humanitarian relief efforts worldwide.

"They are at the pinnacle of combat airlift," Everhart said. "They are doing a great job, getting the mission done across the entire globe."

In addition to serving as one of the premiere tactical airlift units in the Air Force, in recent years, the 317th AG has led the way in the development of airdrop tactics and training. During his visit, Everhart encouraged Airmen to apply this innovative mentality to all of their endeavors.

"I challenge all of our Airmen across 18th Air Force to think outside the box, to do things safely, do things accurately, but think of better ways of doing things," Everhart said. "Our Airmen need to go out and be bold. Continue looking for innovative ways to succeed."

Everhart cited the partnership between the 317th AG and the 7th Bomb Wing, the host wing at Dyess, as an example of Airmen using innovation to overcome fiscal constraints, as 317th AG C-130Js and 7th BW B-1B Lancers have integrated on many occasions to maximize training opportunities for both platforms.

"The 317th needs to go out, be bold and partner with other units," Everhart said. "Continue working hand-in-hand with the wing here as they have done in the past to accomplish and enhance their training."

While at Dyess, Everhart also received an introduction to B-1 capabilities, participating in a simulated flight and integration with B-1 aircrew members.

Making use of every available opportunity to engage with Airmen, 317th AG company grade officers joined Everhart for breakfast on the second day of his visit, while enlisted Airmen dined with Rodewald. Questions and answers regarding the 317th AG's mission and Air Force were exchanged in both directions throughout the meal.

While visiting work centers across the flight line, Everhart was introduced to some of the group's highest-performing Airmen. In-house changes to Air Force systems for building pallets, which have saved up to 75 percent of time, as well as the local sourcing of material for American flag decals for tail flashes, which saved both time and manpower, were Airmen-driven ideas that the general said he was impressed to learn about.

During an all-call with 317th AG Airmen, Everhart expressed his support for the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program, and discussed important issues such as force shaping, the current fiscal environment, and responsible use of social media.

Everhart also took a moment to acknowledge those who provide support to the group's Airmen day in and day out.

"Thank you to the families for their service and sacrifice," Everhart said. "The Air Force recruits individuals, but we retain families. They come together, understand what we do and understand the mission; that's why they are so good at supporting the Airmen here."

He also highlighted the friendship that exists between the 317th AG and the local community of Abilene, thanking them for their support of Team Dyess Airmen and families.

"Deployments are hard; and we deploy a lot. This support allows Airmen to succeed at their mission, knowing they don't have to worry about what is going on at home," said Everhart.

At the end of his visit, Everhart reflected on his impressions of the 317th AG.

"Within the short time I have spent here, I am already seeing excellence at every turn I take," Everhart said. "This team is rocking it, getting it done and doing it well each and every day. There is pride here; there's a fever catching on and that's what it's all about. If they continue in this way, this group is going to continue to succeed for many years to come."