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Aerospace Summit features SECAF

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs Staff Writer
Tinker Public Affairs --  Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne gave the keynote address at the sixth annual Oklahoma Aerospace Summit and Expo in Oklahoma City, May 22. 

Approximately 1,000 local businessmen and Airmen attended a luncheon at the Cox Convention Center to hear Mr. Wynne discuss the strong relationship between Tinker Air Force Base and Oklahoma, as well as upcoming Air Force priorities. 

"Oklahoma is part of every successful mission our Airmen fly," said Mr. Wynne. "You have actively partnered with the military and through the years have established what we think of as the gold standard for other human beings to follow. 

"Your incredibly strong commitment to our military and their families has helped us train generations of Airmen and you have helped and are continuing to help us preserve our freedoms." 

Mr. Wynne also said our freedom didn't come without a price. 

He quoted late President Ronald Reagan saying, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream or DNA. It must be fought for, protected and handed on to them to essentially take up the burden and do the same." 

To effectively protect the United States and the nation's freedom, Mr. Wynne said the Air Force relies on its military partners, Congress, citizens and international allies. 

"Partnerships are ever more important as we search for ways to win today's war while simultaneously investing in technologies to win the conflicts of tomorrow," Mr. Wynne said. 

Mr. Wynne also mentioned some challenges. Among the top of his list was an aging fleet. Despite his concerns, he said the Air Force and Tinker are making excellent strides in other departments including Lean and Six Sigma, process improvement tactics. 

"Showcasing America's competitiveness by the way, Tinker Air Force Base has sparked a Lean and Six Sigma revolution in our Air Force and has actually shown us the way," Mr. Wynne said. 

As an example, Mr. Wynne mentioned a program in which Tinker has lessened lengthy inspections. 

Mr. Wynne concluded his speech by reemphasizing the importance of the relationship between Oklahoma and Tinker. 

"As a team we will do what it takes to keep our Air Force the best in the world to preserve the freedoms we love," Mr. Wynne said. "Remember there are no free rides when you travel down this road of freedom. 

"We're fighting hard to keep this day as our forefathers did years ago, preserving liberty demands our constant attention," Mr. Wynne said. "To this end, your Air Force and our local communities continue to work closely together. Never underestimate the power of partnerships."