ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, command chief of Air Education and Training Command, visited Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, July 10-11, 2024, for the first time as AETC’s command chief.
This visit gave Bickley the opportunity to tour multiple units across the installation and engage with Airmen during their day-to-day operations. He also honored superior Airmen performers who have excelled at executing their mission at the 97th Air Mobility Wing.
The tour began with a stop at the 97th Security Forces Squadron and the 97th Medical Group where Bickley learned about each flight's responsibilities, new technologies used as well as strengths and challenges faced.
“It has been an incredible experience to meet with the next generation of mobility warriors at Altus Air Force Base,” said Bickley. “Mobility’s Hometown is essential to the development of mission-ready Airmen, projecting airpower with our joint coalition partners, and allowing us to execute our mission anywhere in the world, anytime.”
Bickley also had the opportunity to visit with the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron and 97th Maintenance Group where he learned how Airmen contribute to the mission, and he provided mentorship and guidance.
“Chief’s visit today is significant because it provides leaders an opportunity to showcase the fantastic Airmen of Altus and advocate for their units to a MAJCOM entity,” said Master Sgt. Christopher Perez, 97th Logistic Readiness Squadron superintendent of aerial operations. “From a strategic perspective, Chief Bickley is a steward for change and a vital component to the evolution in changing mindsets that will meet America’s challenges of tomorrow, head-on.”
The visit concluded at the base theater where Bickley facilitated a “Change in Mindset” brief, sharing his background and experiences to cultivate conversations about the importance of a warfighting culture, being combat capable and mission ready.
More information about encouraging Airmen to embrace change in dynamic environments can be found here.