COMACC, Command Chief immerse into AFTAC mission

  • Published
  • By Susan A. Romano
  • AFTAC Public Affairs
PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. --  For the first time since taking charge of Air Combat Command in February, ACC’s top general and enlisted leader traveled to Florida to visit the Air Force Technical Applications Center Dec. 5.
 
Gen. Ken Wilsbach, ACC commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Dave Wolfe, ACC command chief, toured the Department of Defense’s sole nuclear treaty monitoring center to learn more about AFTAC’s no-fail mission and how the organization is adapting to meet the challenges of Great Power Competition.
 
“You may not be actively involved in ACE (Agile Combat employment) like a traditional fighter wing is, but you have the same skill sets needed to ensure the continuity of operations from alternate locations to keep your mission uninterrupted,” Wilsbach said.
 
Wilsbach and Wolfe toured AFTAC’s Operations Floor, the 24/7 ‘heartbeat’ of the center’s global surveillance mission.  Here, they were updated on the status of the center’s worldwide assets, to include the nuclear event detection sensor network, the largest in the U.S. Air Force; the WC-135 Constant Phoenix, AFTAC’s atmospheric debris collection aircraft; and the USNS Howard O. Lorenzen, an integrated surveillance and ballistic missile collection platform that houses the Cobra King radar system. 
 
“We are a unique organization in the Air Force, and AFTAC is in the midst of one of the most important time periods in our 77-year history,” said Col. Creighton Mullins, AFTAC commander.  “We are in a new nuclear era that combines advanced conventional weapon delivery systems with more lethal and dynamic means.   Organizations in our nuclear enterprise like AFTAC will continue to be the foundational underpinnings of our national strategy.”
 
Adjacent to the AFTOC is the Maintenance Operations Control Center, where the ACC leaders were briefed on how the MOCC conducts data acquisition and remote maintenance on AFTAC’s geophysical sensors and nuclear material collection platforms.
 
They also met with Airmen assigned to the 709th Support Squadron’s Central Repair Facility, who explained how they track, analyze, repair and maintain precision equipment used at overseas operating locations.
 
Their visit culminated with a center wide All Call, where Wilsbach briefed the workforce on readiness, modernization, agile combat employment, and taking care of Airmen and families.  The general and the chief also took questions from the standing room only audience.
 
“One of ACC’s priorities is ‘Taking Care of People and Families,’ and the word ‘people’ is on purpose,” said Wolfe.  “It’s important that we concentrate on being a team instead of a collection of individuals, and from what we saw here today, AFTAC has shown us what an incredible team you are.  The boss and I have so much respect for you, so please continue to be the best at what you do!”
 
ACC’s command team praised the AFTAC workforce on their role in providing critical support to the warfighter in the way of sensor operations, data analysis, and advanced scientific breakthroughs.
 
“The spirit of innovation is on full display here at AFTAC,” said Wilsbach. “There is a lot of energy in this wing, especially coming from many of the young minds who briefed us today.  Some of the best ideas we get are from those who haven’t been impacted by history or establishment norms.  It’s refreshing to witness.”
 
Prior to their departure, the general and chief presented their military challenge coins to eight superior performers and thanked them for their professional dedication.
 
“It is a privilege to be recognized by our ACC commander,” said 2nd Lt. Samantha Multari, Special Nuclear Event Analyst with the 24th Analysis Squadron.  “Knowing that my leadership thinks so highly of my work performance is very humbling, and I really appreciate the faith they’ve put in me.  But it is definitely a team effort, so this coin really symbolizes the incredible synergy that exists in our squadron.”
 
Wilsbach had some parting thoughts for the men and women of AFTAC.
 
“Keep doing what you’re doing,” the general said.  “You are called a ‘Center of Excellence’ for a reason.  AFTAC is a national asset, and its people contribute immeasurably to global security on the strategic, operational and tactical levels.  You should take enormous pride in what you deliver for our nation.”
 
The treaty monitoring center’s commander was pleased with the outcome of the visit.
 
“It is crucial for our senior leaders to see first-hand what AFTAC’s role is,” said Mullins. “We’re grateful for the time General Wilsbach and Chief Wolfe took out of their schedules to learn more about AFTAC and the value we bring to our nation and allies.”