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AF Chief of Staff visits, talks with Team Eglin

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Surrounded by 50 state flags, a giant American flag, heavy humidity and almost 4,000 eyes, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein took to the stage during an all-call and visit with Team Eglin here June 27-28.

The general addressed the state of the Air Force and the service’s ongoing effort to revitalize squadrons, strength joint leaders and teams, and advance multi-domain command and control.

He told the crowd of 1,800 Airmen and civilians these areas are vital to the current conflicts and the wars to come.

“You and I have, from this moment until the war begins, to get ready and every day counts,” said Goldfein.  “We have to provide credible military options to our diplomats so they can negotiate a better peace.”

He praised Eglin’s efforts in the modernization field and with keeping the warfighter up to date on the battlefield. 

“In the short time I’ve been here, I can say you are leading the effort when it comes to innovative thinking,” he said.

During his visit, he heard from all three wings and many other units on the latest progressions in test and training taking place here.  He highlighted the 96th Security Forces Squadron and the Air Force Research Lab Commander’s Challenge team in his remarks at the call.

The defenders recently began using a tactical air control system to help with base defense and the AFRL team built a remote-piloted helicopter that can travel 30 miles and deliver resources.

During the call, the CSAF also talked about the critical importance of family to the strength and growth of the Air Force.  He said he now has a unique perspective on “military family.”  He joked about being in his position and receiving the direct feedback from his daughter who is now an Airman.  

After the state of Air Force announcements, he opened the floor to questions.  Goldfein answered questions on a range of topics from sexual assault to the idea of warrant officers in the force.

The general closed his emerald coast tour visiting the Air Force Enlisted Village and officiating the retirement ceremony of Lt. Gen. Bradley Heithold, former Air Force Special Operations commander at Hurlburt Field.  At the AFEV, he and his spouse, Dawn, visited and shared Air Force updates with the residents.

In his closing remarks to Team Eglin, the CSAF shared his love for the job and the people at his command.

“It has never been a more important time to serve and as your chief, I couldn’t be prouder to serve with you,” said Goldfein.