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2016 Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber conference

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- Members of countless Air Force communities, industry partners and airpower advocates spanning the nation gathered for the annual Air Force Association's 2016 Air, Space and Cyber conference Sept. 19-21 in National Harbor, Maryland.

During the opening remarks, attendees were provided an inside look at the state of the Air Force by the Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, in which she highlighted the strength of the force and the capabilities employed by the men and women that make the United States the supreme air and space power it is.

"Early on in my career when I was working in the U.S. House, I remember Air Force leaders coming to testify on how airpower was going to transform the bounds of our nation," James stated. "They were dead right."

This year’s theme, "Airmen, Industry and Allies- A global security team," focused on international partnerships and innovation – both of which are key concepts that make up the mission of the Air Education and Training Command.

"On every corner of the map, our Airmen are engaged with our allies and our partners to enhance global security, and stand tall against aggression," James continued.

She went on to explain her sincere gratitude for having the opportunity to engage with "the best and brightest" Airmen this country has ever seen.

"We recognized the need for more Airmen," James commented in regard to personnel issues. "However, while we need numbers, we want the best. We want to recruit those innovative minds that will carry our Air Force missions effectively and efficiently. We want to recruit from various cultural backgrounds and experiences to ensure a more diverse Total Force."

James and other senior leaders addressed attendees during multiple speeches, panels and round-tables throughout the remainder of the conference.