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Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson: “Airpower starts here”

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kirby Turbak
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, visited Airmen from the 97th Air Mobility Wing here, April 25-26, during an immersion tour aimed to give him a better understanding of Altus Air Force Base's training mission.

During the tour, the general met with base Airmen and leaders to discuss  the U.S. Air Force’s new refueling aircraft, the KC-46 Pegasus, the importance of the AETC mission and the need for innovation in the Air Force. 

“There is a lot of innovation happening here at the 97th,” said Roberson. “This innovation is critical for us to continue to be the best air force in the world.”

During his visit, Roberson saw first-hand how Altus AFB is accomplishing its mission of forging mobility forces and deploying Airmen warriors. Stopping at the KC-135 boom simulators, C-17 flight simulators, 97th Air Operations Squadron, non-prior service dormitories, the newest tail enclosure and school house construction for the KC-46, Roberson got a glimpse of these integral parts of the Altus mission. He also visited operations and offices that keep the base running from day-to-day including the 97th Medical Group, 97th Security Forces Squadron, the fire department, base housing and the Airmen Resiliency Center. 

Altus AFB is the only base that trains aircrews for the C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft, KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft and soon, the KC-46 Pegasus refueling aircraft, which is expected to arrive here in 2017. 

“The next generation tanker is going to be doing a lot more than just fueling,” said Roberson. “It’s going to do its mission in more ways than the fuelers before, and it’s going to really help us as an Air Force.”

Roberson also spoke about the importance of every career in the U.S. Air Force.

“It takes every single one of you to make airpower happen,” said Roberson. “There are no extra bodies, no extra careers, there are no extras in the United States Air Force.”

Roberson ended his visit by thanking the base members.

“I want to thank you for what you do every day out there in the heat, in the rain, in the snow, whatever it is,” said Roberson. “You’re out there producing C-17 and KC-135 aircrew, and soon the aircrews of our  newest tanker. The new program will be a credible and important one, so thank you for your efforts and your sacrifices every day.”