Center vice commander visits Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  When Gen. Donald Hoffman decided to visit bases in the AOR, he took his support staff with him. 

General Hoffman, Air Force Materiel Command commander, visited the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 9 as part of a multi-base tour of bases in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Col. Arnie Bunch, Air Armament Center vice-commander, was with him every step of the way. Also accompanying the general were two other AFMC product center vice commanders and the Commander of the Global Logistics Support Center.

The trip was the general's first to the AOR since taking command of AFMC in November. Colonel Bunch had about two months to prepare for a whirlwind tour of four countries in seven days. 

"I was really excited about getting the opportunity to go, not only to see how the systems we acquire are working but also to see our men and women in action." 

The Air Armament Center is the focal point for the development, acquisition, testing, and deployment of all air-delivered weapons, many of which are being used in the global war on terrorism. General Hoffman's plan was to "observe and listen," and to ask the Airmen, 'How do you find our product?'"
Colonel Bunch said the staff got that question answered. 

"They are very happy with the way the weapons are performing," the colonel said. "They are pleased with the Laser JDAM and other weapons we procure that allow them to do their mission."

During the trip, the staff had a chance to visit many areas at the bases, including medical, maintenance, EOD, LRS facilities, and flightline. Colonel Bunch met Airmen from Eglin at each of the stops on the fast-paced tour. He said they are very motivated by what they are doing in theater and happy with the support there families are getting at home. 

"It was extremely motivating just watching how excited and totally focused the men and women are on mission execution. Morale was extremely high," he said. Although the colonel admitted that sometimes he wasn't even sure what time zone he was in, "I was excited listening to them talk about their programs; their enthusiasm oozed." 

The visit, a short snapshot of what Airmen face while deployed, gave senior leaders a new understanding of life in the AOR. It also gave them an appreciation of the men and women's tenacity. 

"The high point was watching how motivated and focused these men and women are, given the hardships they're experiencing while being away from their families and everyone else," Colonel Bunch said. 

Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this story.