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ACC chief visits troops at Tinker

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kinder Black
  • 552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., --  The 552nd Air Control Wing welcomed a visit from the command chief of Headquarters Air Combat Command, Chief Master Sgt. Steve Sullens Sunday through Tuesday. 

According to Chief Sullens, his primary duty is communication. Visiting ACC units around the world better prepares the Chief to provide council on Airmen and family readiness to the ACC Commander Gen. John D.W. Corley. During his three day visit to Tinker, Chief Sullens visited each of the 552nd ACW groups and also the 3rd Combat Communications Group. 

He engaged Airmen of all ranks and duty specialties, not only to communicate the ACC commander's intent, but also to listen to the messages Airmen want conveyed to senior leadership. 

During this visit, Chief Sullens' message to the Airmen stressed the importance of consistently enforcing standards and discipline at every level. This includes adherence to technical orders, policies and instructions and making the right choices in matters of integrity. He also emphasized the ACC culture of "people first, mission always." 

He talked with Airmen throughout his visit and held a round-table discussion to record concerns of Airmen and their families. 

"Each time we eliminate an individual or family distraction, we are better able to focus on our mission to organize, train and equip the combat Air Force," Chief Sullens said. "Look down at your uniform and you'll notice we are in the 'us' Air Force. We are all in it together and we're only as strong as our least ready Airman." 

When asked about his impression of the 552nd Air Control Wing Chief Sullens responded, "absolutely extraordinary Airmen ... mission ready." 

He had similar accolades for the warriors of the 3rd CCG. According to Chief Sullens, both the 552nd ACW and the 3rd CCG have an unparalleled attitude toward mission, all stemming from positive and enthusiastic leadership cultures. 

"I've not witnessed better leadership teams anywhere," he said. "This energy permeates every level; Airmen are taking care of each other and their families, and overcoming several significant obstacles to mission accomplishment." 

The Chief specifically cited aging facilities and other logistical challenges, and praised the 72nd Air Base Wing for several recent improvements to mission support. Chief Sullens met truly remarkable people while at Tinker, which he says is the best part of his duty. 

"The quality and diversity of people wearing our uniform is simply amazing. It is a privilege to serve with such great patriots, hailing from all walks of life, but with one undeniable purpose -- answering our nation's call, whatever it may entail," he said. 

The key is opening the right doors of opportunity to these different Airmen and capturing each person's full potential, Chief Sullens said. 

"That is Leadership 101," he said, "and doing so will maximize the battlefield effect of our most valuable resource -- people."