MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The mayors from the 10 biggest cities in Alabama visited Air University April 11, 2023, to get a deeper understanding on its impact to the region, state and throughout the Air Force.
The mayors were in Montgomery to attend the Alabama Big 10 Mayors conference taking place off-installation. The focus of this conference included growing Alabama’s economy.
Breaking away for a visit to Maxwell allowed the mayors to tour one of the major miliary installations and employers in the River Region.
“Getting a firsthand look at all of the different aspects of Maxwell Air Force Base helps us understand how to be better leaders in our city and better partners, more importantly, with our armed forces,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed. “We wanted all the mayors from the ten largest cities in the state to know how Maxwell Air Force Base impacts our city, region, state, and the nation.”
The visit started with an Air University mission brief where senior leaders and academic officers highlighted key national security problems sets and how AU postures and flexes to educate international, joint and Air Force students. Mayors were quickly briefed on continuous impact and touchpoints AU has to officers, enlisted and civilian employees throughout their careers.
The tour next rotated the mayors to showcase the 42nd Air Base Wing’s air traffic control tower and military working dog demonstrations, as well as F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing.
The mayors were provided brief updates on future aircraft coming to Montgomery. The 187th FW will operate the F-35A Lightning II on Dannelly Field, and the 908th Airlift Wings will transition to providing MH-139A Grey Wolf training on Maxwell.
"The support for the military is felt throughout the state of Alabama. Meeting and reconnecting with these mayors allowed us to further develop our relationships and share common interests as we look to the future to strengthen our military and local communities," said Lt. Gen Andrea Tullos, AU commander and president.
The Alabama Big 10 Mayors include Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox.