AFMC commander visits Sustainment Center, air logistics complexes

  • Published
  • By Kim Dawley
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Air Force Materiel Command Commander Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger and AFMC Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Warner visited the command's air logistics complexes the week of April 15 for the first time since AFMC declared initial operational capability of its 5-Center reorganization Oct. 1, 2012.

The complexes -- located at Hill Air Force, Utah, Robins AFB, Ga., and Tinker AFB, Okla. -- are part of the Air Force Sustainment Center, headquartered at Tinker. As the reorganization approaches full operational capability this fall, Wolfenbarger was able to visit work centers and see firsthand how AFSC is supporting the AFMC mission and command priorities.

"In many instances, General Wolfenbarger's questions drove us to demonstrate the application of the 'game plan,'" said AFSC Commander Lt. Gen. Bruce Litchfield, who joined Wolfenbarger on the visits. "But even more impressive than the demonstrations was the understanding of our folks on how that game plan is improving mission effectiveness and the tremendous opportunity for future improvements."

In addition to Warner and Litchfield, Wolfenbarger was accompanied on her visits by her husband, retired Col. Craig Wolfenbarger. The Air Force authorized MAJCOM Commander spouse travel for base visits because the spouses' awareness of the issues that affect our military families is critical, enabling them to provide the best advice, guidance and assistance to senior MAJCOM leaders. Their agendas included tours of facilities and programs related to the AFSC, AFMC and Air Force missions, as well as programs related to quality of life.

"We were able to observe the AFSC team perform at a very high level," Litchfield said. "It's truly remarkable seeing how far we've come since IOC."

Wolfenbarger agreed and was impressed with what she saw, noting that -- while the substantial budget reductions facing the Department of Defense are very challenging to deal with -- AFMC's reorganization has allowed the command the opportunity to change for the better.

"While we draw on efficiencies to help our Air Force meet its budgetary target, what I'm most excited about is improved effectiveness," she said. "We are truly achieving our mission of equipping the Air Force for world dominant airpower, now better than ever. My hat is off to everyone in AFSC, and throughout the command, for the progress we've made in a very short period of time operating under this new organizational construct."