JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM -- I love this time of year; leaves start changing color, the air is a little crisper, oh wait…that doesn’t happen here in Hawaii, does it? Forgive me, I’m new around here. Regardless, it does mark the beginning of football season (Go Pats!) which reminds me of the power of great teamwork. In football, normally the team that demonstrates the best teamwork is the victor and it rarely matters if they have the best individual player. This reminds me of our great Air Force. We can only succeed in accomplishing the mission if we have a strong team. Sure we have great individual Airmen, but our true strength lies in the totality of our collective efforts. And I sure love seeing those efforts demonstrated over the football stadiums when our Air Force is executing flyovers and showcasing our strength to the nation!
This week marks the 69th anniversary of our United States Air Force. Our Air Force has established itself as the dominant power in air, space and cyberspace and we truly are the best at what we do around the globe. Since our inception, we have transformed the way our nation defends itself and its allies across the full spectrum of threats. More specifically, before the Air Force became an independent service, our wing responded wherever and whenever needed in the Pacific and today, whether for disaster relief, humanitarian operations or combat operations, we continue to answer that call. Our team comes from a proud heritage filled with technological innovation, courage and dedication of those who served before us, and as we look toward the future, we see nothing but new and unlimited horizons. We will continue to deliver unmatched dominance for our joint and international partners and our nation. I am truly proud to be part of our team and serve alongside you as an AIRMAN whether you are active duty, civilian, Guard, Reserve, retiree, veteran or family member. I say Hau`oli la Hanau to our Air Force and fellow Airmen around the world. Thanks for being part of our team!