3rd Herd members given ‘tour’ of 12th Air Force

  • Published
  • By Darren D. Heusel
  • Tinker Public Affairs
Members of the 3rd Combat Communications Group got more than they could have hoped for last week when the 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern commander himself came calling.
   Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, using a mixture of straight talk and humor, gave 3rd Herd members a remote "tour" of the entire command and kept them on the edge of their seats with his levity during a Sept. 14 commander's call at the base theater.
   Lt. Col. Alan R. Berry, 3rd CCG deputy commander, said he was happy to host General Seip and is confident his troops gained some valuable insight from the visit.
   "We have a great relationship with Lieutenant General Seip and always enjoy his visits," Colonel Berry said. "(The visits) provide our Airmen with a valuable opportunity to meet with one of our senior leaders and draw a connection between their day-to-day mission and the overall Air Force mission."
   The general, who last visited Tinker Air Force Base about five months ago, talked about the state of the command and encouraged all those in attendance to pause for a moment over the weekend to reflect on the Air Force's 60th anniversary.
   "It's a privilege to serve alongside each and every one of you," General Seip told the crowd of about 300 Tinker Airmen. "I thank you for your volunteerism and continued contributions."
   After helping to transition possession of the 3rd Herd's miniature mascot Buford from one junior lieutenant to the unit's newest lieutenant, the general got right down to business bringing Tinker Airmen up to speed on what's taking place around the command.
   General Seip discussed the situation at Cannon AFB, N.M., Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., Hill AFB, Utah, Pope AFB, N.C., Dyess AFB, Texas, and Nellis AFB, Nevada, to name a few.
   The general also talked about the status of the F-17, F-22, A-10 and B-1B, as well as some of the other organizations within the command.
   "But I don't really need to tell you guys what's going on," General Seip said. "You guys are doing great things here at Tinker and in the (area of responsibility). I can tell you that about 75 percent of our efforts are taking place in Central and South America."
   After bringing the 3rd Herd up to speed with what's going on around the command, the general then invited questions from the crowd.
   The questions ranged from filling Air Force Specialty Code vacancies and the new Airman Battle Uniform and physical training uniform to enlisted performance reports and "big ticket items" such as cyberspace and cyber command.
   The general also addressed the issue of personnel cuts and Air Force core missions.
   On the issue of personnel cuts, General Seip said discussions are still ongoing on Capitol Hill as to whether to cease with the current drawdown in forces or to go all the way and still be able to effectively support the other services.
   "Our core missions are also in question," the general said. "Are we going to make some of the missions we've been performing in Iraq and other parts of the world part of our core competencies or are we going to go back to our roots?
   "I can tell you that what we're primarily interested in is efficiency, effectiveness and standardization. There is certainly going to be more to follow on these issues but for now, we need to gird our loins and get ready for Round II," General Seip said, referring to the war in Iraq.
   The general said it wasn't Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley's idea to cut the force. But when he saw his budget going south, he had to figure out a way to fund new programs such as the F-22, and still maintain mission effectiveness with older model aircraft at the same time.
   In response to a question General Moseley was asked about whether the Air Force was ever going to reach a point where it wasn't going to have any more pilots or airplanes, General Seip quoted the chief of staff as saying, "The only time that will happen is if Air Force One is flown by remote control."
   The general concluded his commander's call by again thanking 3rd Herd members for their service, adding, "What you do each and every day is important and what you do counts. Those of you who came in after Sept. 11, 2001 knew exactly what you were getting yourself in to.
   "There isn't another Air Force in the world that comes close to what you do."
   Colonel Berry said 3rd Herd members talk regularly with General Seip and his staff. But, having face-to-face interaction is always beneficial.
   "Several times a year, Lieutenant General Seip visits us to meet with our Airmen, catch up on new mission changes and mentor our officers," Colonel Berry said. "Today's visit did all of that. He gave us a glimpse into ongoing Air Force initiatives and answered hard questions about force shaping and retention."
   As the 12th Air Force/AFSOUTH commander, stationed at Davis-Mothan AFB, General Seip oversees Air Force assets, five forward operating locations, and civil and military engagements in Central and South America as well as the Caribbean.
   The general is also responsible for the operational readiness of 12th Air Force-gained wings of the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, including an additional 18,800 personnel and more than 200 aircraft.
   Twelfth Air Force comprises seven active duty wings and three direct reporting units in the western and Midwestern United States. The fighter and bomber wings possess 400 aircraft and more than 33,000 active duty military and civilian personnel.
   The three direct reporting units -- the 3rd CCG, 820th Red Horse Squadron and 1st Air Support Operations Group -- comprise more than 1,200 personnel.
   General Seip has been in his current position since July 2006.