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Commander addresses 51st FW with expectations

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Stuart Camp
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Airmen heard first-hand July 22 their new 51st Fighter Wing commander's priorities and thoughts during two commander's calls in Bldg. 635.

Col. Patrick T. McKenzie, 51st FW commander, clearly set his expectations for the 6,000-plus Airmen assigned to the wing at morning and afternoon sessions.

"We all need to know the commander's intent," said Capt. Lydia Bradley-Tyler, 51st Force Support Squadron. "It's important to hear it directly from him."

From a flatbed trailer parked in the warehouse, McKenzie resolved to make Osan an assignment of choice for the future built on a bedrock foundation that every Airman is a teacher, leader and mentor and holding each other accountable.

"Discipline is a cornerstone to what we do," he said. "We're going to go by the book."
To give context to his expectations for the wing, McKenzie read and explained the priorities of the Air Force Chief of Staff, Pacific Air Forces' commander, and 7th Air Force. As he ran down the list, the 51st FW commander emphasized their impact on our mission.

He elaborated on the CSAF's "Partner with the Joint and Coalition Team to Win Today's Fight" and the PACAF intent to posture the forces. "We do a lot of that here with our Army colleagues and the ROK units," McKenzie said. "We're postured 60 miles from the bad guys. We're ready to deliver world-class airpower."

The subjects he covered during each of the 30-minute sessions included physical fitness and a culture of responsible choices.

"The expectations on us are pretty high. We better be on our game every day," McKenzie said. "I expect you to be fit and ready to go. If you're not in shape, get in shape. Most of this is common sense. I expect you to adhere to and uphold the standards."

In a nod toward the team concept at Osan, the commander said every Airman has a stake in the wing's ability to execute the flying mission.

"You matter," McKenzie said. "If I can't generate sorties, that's a problem. My job is to make sure you are properly trained and motivated. Take pride in this mission. Be enthusiastic and energetic every day."

Although it's been 15 years since his first tour here, the colonel said the base has improved significantly. "[The improvements] were made on the backs of a lot of Airmen. Make it better for the people who replace us.

"I will promise you this - in three or four years, you'll look back and remember this as a great assignment."