US Air Force senior leaders engage with Airmen at Mobility’s Hometown Published April 20, 2026 By Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe, accompanied by their wives, Mrs. Cindy Wilsbach and Dr. Doniel Wolfe, visited Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma to gain insight and understanding to “Mobility’s Hometown,” April 16. U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, left, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe, right, speak to Airmen during an all call, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 16, 2026. The all call provided an opportunity for senior leaders to connect with Airmen at every level, answer questions, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing today’s Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The might of the 97th Air Mobility Wing was on full display, highlighting how Altus directly supports the Chief of Staff’s priorities. Guided by the wing’s vision—“Victory Begins Here”—Altus Airmen deliver the training and readiness that underpin global mobility operations. “It all starts right here at Altus Air Force Base, where you train mobility air crews,” said Wilsbach. “Nothing happens without the aircraft here and the maintainers who fix these aircraft. Not a single jet would get to the fight, and they certainly won’t be successful without the logistics and air mobility assets behind them.” During the visit, the CSAF and CMSAF received a mission brief outlining Altus’ unique contributions to the operational Air Force, including participation in large-scale global efforts such as Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury. US Air Force senior leaders engage with Airmen at Mobility’s Hometown U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, learns more about the 97th Operations Support Squadron’s innovation efforts in airdrop parachute recovery, using drones, during an immersion at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., April 16, 2026. The drone program saved time and resources by providing aid in recovering parachutes used in airdrops from the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 6 images | US Air Force senior leaders engage with Airmen at Mobility’s Hometown US Air Force senior leaders engage with Airmen at Mobility’s Hometown U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, learns more about the 97th Operations Support Squadron’s innovation efforts in airdrop parachute recovery, using drones, during an immersion at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., April 16, 2026. The drone program saved time and resources by providing aid in recovering parachutes used in airdrops from the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright) 1 of 6 Photo Details / Download Hi-Res US Air Force senior leaders engage with Airmen at Mobility’s Hometown U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, left, speaks with Capt. Leif Joffre, 54th Aerial Refueling Squadron, right, during an immersion of the KC-135 Stratotanker with the 97th Air Mobility Wing, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 16, 2026. This unique asset showcases the U.S. Air Force’s ability to remain mission ready because it enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Langston) 2 of 6 Photo Details / Download Hi-Res US Air Force senior leaders engage with Airmen at Mobility’s Hometown Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe, visits crew members in the boom pod of a KC-135 Stratotanker, during an immersion with the 97th Air Mobility Wing, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 16, 2026. The 97th AMW is home to three schoolhouses—C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46 Pegasus—where they conduct initial and advanced specialty training programs for airland, airdrop, and air refueling mobility forces, providing global reach for combat and contingency operations, as well as relief operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Langston) 3 of 6 Photo Details / Download Hi-Res US Air Force senior leaders engage with Airmen at Mobility’s Hometown U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach speaks to a Security Forces defender during an immersion at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 16, 2026. Highlighting the critical role Altus Airmen play in flying and maintaining some of the Air Force’s most vital aircraft, the senior leaders spent time on the flightline engaging with Airmen across multiple career fields. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright) 4 of 6 Photo Details / Download Hi-Res US Air Force senior leaders engage with Airmen at Mobility’s Hometown U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, center, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe, center right, speak to Fuels Airmen during an immersion at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 16, 2026. The might of the 97th Air Mobility Wing was on full display, highlighting how Altus directly supports the Chief of Staff’s priorities. Guided by the wing’s vision—“Victory Begins Here”—Altus Airmen deliver the training and readiness that underpin global mobility operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Langston) 5 of 6 Photo Details / Download Hi-Res US Air Force senior leaders engage with Airmen at Mobility’s Hometown U.S. Staff Sgt. Kyle Hill, 58th Airlift Squadron aircrew, briefs U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach on C-17 Globemaster III aircraft operations during an immersion tour at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., April 16, 2026. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright) 6 of 6 Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “The awesome things we do at this wing are a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our Airmen,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Kind, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander. “Their commitment ensures we can deliver unrivaled air mobility capabilities anytime, anywhere.” Highlighting the critical role Altus Airmen play in flying and maintaining some of the Air Force’s most vital aircraft, the senior leaders spent time on the flightline engaging with Airmen across multiple career fields. They also immersed themselves in the capabilities of the C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker, gaining a firsthand look at how Altus delivers combat-ready mobility forces. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe, center, speaks with Foundations, Airman Leadership School and Airman Dorm Leader instructors during a visit to Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 16, 2026. The discussions emphasized the role Altus plays in developing the next generation of Airmen through high standards, accountability and technical excellence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Wright) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res During their visit, Wilsbach and Wolfe addressed the base during an all call that brought together roughly 1,020 Airmen, civilians, contractors and family members. The all call provided an opportunity for senior leaders to connect with Airmen at every level, answer questions, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing today’s Air Force. “The work we do here is important, because when the nation asks us to do extremely difficult things we must be ready to deliver,” said Wilsbach. “We prepare by doing hard things together, and ensuring we are physically fit, mentally sharp, and spiritually ready.” U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach speaks to Airmen during an all call, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 16, 2026. The all call provided an opportunity for senior leaders to connect with Airmen at every level, answer questions, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing today’s Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Drawing on his extensive background in professional military education, Wolfe also met with Airman Leadership School and Foundations instructors, as well as Airman Dorm Leaders. The discussions emphasized the role Altus plays in developing the next generation of Airmen through high standards, innovation and technical excellence. “Innovation is about trust,” said Wolfe. “When your leadership sees you're consistently nailing the basics, you're on time, you're professional, you're an expert in your craft; that builds the confidence that opens the doors for you to be able to bring those great ideas to work.” Mrs. Cindy Wilsbach, center, wife of U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Dr. Doniel Wolfe, right, wife of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe, and U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Rosado, 97th Air Mobility Wing deputy commander, left, take a photo in front of the iconic Altus sign, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 16, 2026. During their visit, the two met with Key Support Liaisons, installation leaders and community partners to discuss quality-of-life priorities, including childcare, spouse employment, medical access and housing. They also toured the recently renovated Child Development Center to learn about best practices implemented during the project. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Langston) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Meanwhile, Mrs. Cindy Wilsbach and Dr. Doniel Wolfe met with Key Support Liaisons, installation leaders and community partners to discuss quality-of-life priorities, including childcare, spouse employment, medical access and housing. They also toured the recently renovated Child Development Center to learn about best practices implemented during the project. The spouses were additionally given an inside look at base facilities and support programs designed to enhance the quality of life for Altus families. Altus Air Force Base is comprised of Airmen (Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, and Civilian) where everyone is connected to the mission, and every Airman contributes to the generation of airpower to support the Joint fight. U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, pilots a KC-46 Pegasus during an immersion with the 97th Air Mobility Wing, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 16, 2026. A command pilot with more than 6,200 flying hours across multiple aircraft, Wilsbach took the controls of the Air Force’s newest tanker—demonstrating his commitment to remaining personally connected to the mission and the Airmen who execute it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Langston) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The visit concluded with the CSAF boarding and piloting a KC-46 Pegasus from Altus to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. A command pilot with more than 6,200 flying hours across multiple aircraft, Wilsbach took the controls of the Air Force’s newest tanker—demonstrating his commitment to remaining personally connected to the mission and the Airmen who execute it.