PACAF's top chief visits JBER, talks with Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Omari Bernard
  • JBER Public Affairs
130318 JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald, Pacific Air Forces command chief master sergeant, toured JBER March 18 on behalf of the PACAF commander Air Force Gen. Herbert Carlisle.

McDonald took the opportunity to speak with Airmen face-to-face during the base tour to address questions and concerns about recent events affecting the Air Force in a time of uncertainty.

During his tour, McDonald interacted with Airmen and saw demonstrations from various units. The 3rd Munitions Squadron demonstrated conventional maintenance by processing a bomb build, 3rd Maintenance Squadron provided a hands-on demonstration of carbon-fiber composite panel fabrication and repair, and the Professional Military Education Center gave a tour of their facilities.

McDonald thanked each of the units and spoke of the importance of their mission. He also commented on JBER's involvement in the Pacific theater.

"There's two important things to keep in mind," McDonald explained. "The first is the refocus and rebalance to the Pacific. We've never lost our focus on the Pacific and what we do here, or the capabilities and interests that we take care of in this theater.

"General Carlisle terms it as 'faces and not bases,'" he continued "So we'll have more transient forces that come through. A lot of the focus is shifting down to the south and to the west of the Pacific area of responsibility. The support that comes out of JBER both with the NORAD mission and its focus on the Pacific is important. We do not see that changing."

As the PACAF command chief spoke with Airmen from around the base, he addressed recent concerns regarding sequestration and its effects.

"Sequestration will have an impact," McDonald said. "We're not sure to what point or how it's going to affect exercises. It is something that leadership is looking at."

Additionally he reassured concerned Airmen about where to get more information on the recent tuition assistance program's suspension.

"The best advice that I would have for anybody is to go to their base education office," McDonald said. "They have all the resources, all the knowledge to help you through. All of the base education offices have been getting the latest information."

As McDonald wrapped up his tour, he spoke at an enlisted all-call about the importance of why he was visiting JBER and what it meant to senior leaders.

An example of what leadership is looking for, the chief said, is getting Airmen to communicate up the chain of command on issues that are affecting them.

"We need to know whats going on with our Airmen," McDonald said. "If there are a lot of people who aren't getting enough training. Those people in those situations really need to get back to us"

McDonald offered advice and guidance to junior enlisted Airmen who requested tips on how to stand out while attempting to continue their education.

"I think that if Airmen concentrate on doing their jobs and doing the best they can, then things will take care of themselves," he said. "That's all we really ask from our Airmen; come to work, do your job, learn, and complete your training."

Throughout his visit and while speaking with Airmen, the chief stressed the importance of working together and taking care of each other, and that in uncertain times, this is a key factor to resiliency

"The approach to resiliency is knowing each other and taking care of one another," McDonald said. "If you know people you can tell when they are stressed or something is going on. Understand and utilize the tools that are available. As General Carlisle said, at the end of the day its caring for our Airmen and knowing them that is most important, especially from a non-commissioned officer level. Being engaged and being involved and knowing when these issues are impacting them."

As the meeting at the theatre concluded McDonald emphasized the importance of speaking up to leadership. About using the idea program and offering to to take emails from any Airmen who still have any questions or concerns.

At the end of the enlisted all call, McDonald asked the crowd, "If you had the ability to talk to one of your senior leadership; comment, question, complaint or concern, how many of you guys would?"

A few hands rose throughout the crowd.

"I'm here to help you," he explained. "I need to communicate with you. You all have things to say, so why not?
"On behalf of General Carlisle and myself, to all the Airman in the Pacific, we appreciate and are thankful for what you are doing," McDonald said. "[There are] amazing Airmen doing amazing jobs in an environment that is not easiest to do."