COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Maj. Gen. Patrick Doherty, 19th Air Force commander, met with 14th Flying Training Wing squadron leadership during breakfast to discuss potential changes and challenges with the command Aug. 6., here.
Doherty started the discussion by talking about the reformation of the 19th Air Force, and said the “say no” staff of the past is no longer what the Air Force needs.
“It’s not going to change overnight,” Doherty said. “But it’s a culture that you have to work at every day.”
Doherty also talked about how the command wants to have just as much insight at the squadron level with ongoing problems in order to fix them faster and more efficiently.
“We should be very laser-focused on intercepting and cutting off problems of the past as opposed to waiting for the broken glass to fall on the ground and then we are in full-on, action mode,” Doherty said.
Doherty ended the discussion by reassuring Team BLAZE squadron commanders that 19th Air Force understands their struggles and is willing to help when and where they can. He also thanked commanders for stepping up to the many challenges the wing has faced over the last couple of years.
“It’s always exciting to hear what’s on your minds and hear your challenges,” Doherty said. “Again, I just want to say thank you for what you do. Your roles as leaders at the squadron level are incredibly tough and we know that. There is not a more important leadership position that compares to what your team is contributing for our Air Force.”