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PACAF Civic Leader Tour showcases “Strategic Triangle”

  • Published
  • By Capt. Kristen Pate
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  Gen. Chandler, Pacific Air Forces commander, hosted 24 Civic Leaders from Hawaii, Alaska and Guam for a tour of the Pacific's "Strategic Triangle" bases June 22-26.

The trip, originating from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, was the first of its kind for Pacific Air Forces and involved stops at Elmendorf and Eielson Air Force Bases in Alaska and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Civic leaders from each location were invited to tour these bases, learn about the various missions and gain knowledge of the importance of the Air Force's forward-most PACAF bases on American soil that make up the "Strategic Triangle."

Hickam AFB's 535th Airlift Squadron flew the civic leaders on a C-17 Globemaster III throughout the trip, first stopping at Elmendorf AFB, where the general and civic leaders toured the 3rd Wing's Air Traffic Control tower and Combat Alert Cell amidst massive Exercise Northern Edge aircraft launches. The ongoing exercise showcased the wing's unique and diverse flying mission, which includes five different types of aircraft.

"Getting to see Airmen and the Air Force mission first hand was really a thrill. I wish all Americans could get the same inside view of the professionalism and exacting standards of the men and women who are...guarding our nation," said Sami Glascott, president of the Anchorage, Alaska, Chamber of Commerce.

Ms. Glascott said the trip provided a great networking opportunity for civic leaders who support the Air Force across the Strategic Triangle".

After testing their flying skills in the C-17, F-15 and E-3 simulators at Elmendorf AFB, the group headed to Eielson AFB for a close-up look at the mission of the 354th Fighter Wing.

"Civic leader support is what allows the 354 FW to accomplish its missions of preparing aviation forces for combat, deploying Airmen in support of global operations and enabling the staging of forces," said Brig. Gen. Mark Graper, 354 FW commander. "In particular, thanks to the support of our patriotic Interior Alaska neighbors we can offer world-class training opportunities to American and Allied forces in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex."

The civic leaders interacted with Eielson Airmen at the Yukon club for lunch before touring the civil engineer snow barn, where they saw the massive snow removal equipment and learned about what it takes to ensure mission success during the extreme Alaskan winters.

"Civic leader tours are a great way for us to showcase our capabilities and show our gratitude," Gen. Graper said. "The civic leaders from Guam, Hawaii and Alaska now understand the great contributions the Iceman Team makes to our nation's defense, and understands that we are 'Ready to go at 50 below!'"

After departing Eielson AFB, the group embarked on a nine-hour flight across the Pacific to Andersen AFB. While in flight, the group experienced firsthand the vast capabilities and global reach of the C-17. They were also able to witness an aerial refueling by a KC-135.

"The C-17 is a truly magnificent airplane," said David Miller, president and chief executive officer of Architects Hawaii Ltd. "A C-17's interior is almost three stories in height and it can carry over 170,000 pounds. Everywhere one looks there's a lesson on "form follows function." The C-17 is by far the most incredible plane I've ever flown in and experiencing it was one of the many opportunities this trip gave me."

While at Andersen AFB, the group got their hands dirty building munitions, working with Rapid Engineering Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers and firing weapons during combat warrior training. They were also educated on the continuous bomber presence and PACAF's commitment to maintaining security and stability in the Pacific region.

"These are men and women who are influential leaders in their communities - key links to telling our story to American taxpayers," said Col. Ed Thomas, PACAF director of Public Affairs. "They were tired at the end of this trip, but I'm confident they left with a sense of excitement and a depth of understanding of what the Airmen of Pacific Air Forces bring to the nation."