CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Since the inception of flight, airplanes have been used in a variety of missions. From dropping ordnance to supplying troops and providing humanitarian assistance, the Air Force has led the way time and time again.
In 1919, flood-ravaged San Antonio was supplied by airplanes that flew overhead and dropped much-needed food and supplies. Little did these first aviators know their actions would become a way of life for those in Air Mobility Command.
Your contributions have had a profound impact on every war, contingency or natural disaster since the birth of aviation, and continues to shine daily as we fight the Global War on Terrorism.
As AMC warriors, it is important for us to understand our role and our place in our nation's history. Each and every member of Team Charleston plays a vital role in advancing the nation's strategic vision and goals.
Unlike many of the non-mobility assets, you are truly deliverers of sovereign options. When the Air Force updated its mission statement to include sovereign options, many were confused by the concept of something more than flying and breaking stuff. The intent of this addition was to convey the ability to extend beyond borders and limits and provide various options for our nation's leaders. The United States Air Force truly employs this capability through its command of air, space and cyberspace. As airlift assets, you are part of this overwhelming power and should be extremely proud of your contributions that make this Air Force so great.
At this year's Air Force Association Convention, the Berlin Airlift was once again lauded for its enormous achievement and contribution to this nation's freedom. The great men and women who contributed to the aerial supply of Berlin and its 2.5 million residents set the standard for those who wear the mobility patch. From an initial delivery of 1,400 tons the first month to the overwhelming delivery of 2.3 million tons of food and supplies during the 14-month period, Maj. Gen. William Tunner and his mobility warriors set the standard.
The brave and heroic actions saved the lives of thousands of isolated Berliners from winter's fury. The result was the complete destruction of the soviet plan to gain leverage for political bargaining by holding Berlin hostage. The soviets fell victim to underestimating the ability of a great Air Force to prevail in adverse conditions and to deliver strategic effects through the air.
The Berlin Airlift is just one of many accomplishments that you share as members of an elite group: mobility warriors. Since the end of World War II, mobility has continued to deliver strategic effects and provide sovereign options to our nation's leaders. Whether its supplying combat troops engaged on the front lines, dropping humanitarian aid to needy victims or providing the airlift necessary to facilitate our diplomats engaging with our friends or enemies, mobility is always there.
The next time a friend or neighbor asks, "what do you do in the Air Force," don't shy away from being proud of your accomplishments. Provide them with the insight into the many great things you do on a daily basis. It's not just about hauling cargo, but about providing our nation's leaders with the sovereign options necessary to overcome any adversary.