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SECAF visits Team Osan

  • Published
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James learned about the 51st Fighter Wing , meeting with Airmen during an official visit here Nov. 23-24, 2014. 

This was James' first visit to Osan Air Base since becoming SECAF. The visit is part of an 11-day trip around the Pacific region. During her trip, James had the opportunity to meet with 7th Air Force and 51st FW leadership as well as get a first-hand look at the Airmen carrying out the mission.

During an all-call at the base gymnasium, James talked about her experience at Osan.

"I've seen people who are hugely passionate," James said. "They're well educated, well trained, they realize what they're doing is so important."

She also explained her priorities while serving as SECAF: taking care of people, balancing today's readiness with the modernization needs of tomorrow and making every dollar count. 

"Taking care of people is my top priority because I'm convinced that people is where everything begins and ends," said James. "You have to take care of people right."

Taking care of people can mean a lot of things, said James. From recruiting, developing and retaining the very best enlisted and commissioned Airmen possible, to maintaining a unit climate of dignity, trust and respect.

James said modernization and readiness is tied to many strains in the Air Force, such as having the smallest Air Force since 1947, but an increasing amount of engagements around the world.

"This is the busiest Air Force we've been in my memory, and I've worked in defense for more than 30 years," said James.

"Readiness can't be more important, and I don't have to tell you all that, because it's what you do," said James. "We have to modernize in a number of ways to maintain this readiness."

Finally, making every dollar count is important for James as a means of transparency and value for the American taxpayer. She said Airmen can contribute to this cause by voicing their ideas.

"You all are in the field and see the things day in and day out that can save us money. We need you to bubble those ideas up," she said.

James described the role of Team Osan as an important one in an ever-changing economic, political and military environment and concluded the all-call by thanking the men and women of Team Osan.

"You are truly the frontline defenders, responders and diplomats in a very important neighborhood," said James. "Thank you for your hard work, dedication, integrity, service before self and excellence in all you do."