Gen. Chilton gets acquainted with Team Malmstrom

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Justin Brockhoff
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MONT. --  The commander of Air Force Space Command visited Malmstrom AFB Jan. 24, and addressed Airmen about the importance of their role in the Global War on Terrorism and the roles they play in shaping the Air Force to meet today's military needs.

Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, who became AFSPC's commander in June 2006, marked his first visit to the 341st Space Wing by praising the hard work and dedication Malmstrom Airmen bring to the fight every day.

"The men and women here at Malmstrom are the backstop," said the general during a press conference Wednesday. "The ICBM mission here is the constant solid line when it comes to defending the United States of America as we look to the future ... it is a huge deterrent to those people who would consider doing harm to this country."

General Chilton also told reporters that in today's changing world, the Air Force is looking to its young people to make the difference and lead the way into the new warfighting era.

"The greatest asset to our Air Force is the people," General Chilton added. "The quality of our Airmen has gotten better every year I have served. I am inspired by their professionalism and amazed by what our people do."

One of the AFSPC commander's top priorities since taking command is full use of Air Force Smart Operations 21. Introduced by Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley in early 2006, AFSO 21 is a program instituted to find better ways for the Air Force to accomplish its mission, while maximizing value and minimizing waste.

"Our young enlisted and company grade officers are absolutely vital to this," the general said during a commander's call in Malmstrom's 3-Bay Hangar. "They are the people who understand the inefficiencies and are the people who are making the job happen. It's our great enlisted force and CGOs who are going to make the difference."

During the commander's call, General Chilton presented three Bronze Star medals to members of the 341st Space Wing. Lt. Col. Stephen Ziadie, 341st Space Wing Inspector General, Tech. Sgt. David LaPointe, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron, and Staff Sgt. Joshua Abrahamson, 341st CES, received the decoration for meritorious service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom ranging from 2004 to 2006.

The Bronze Star is awarded to service members in all branches of the military for combat heroism or meritorious service.

The general also awarded the 341st Space Wing with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for exceptionally meritorious service from October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2006. During this period, "Team Malmstrom" garnered six Air Force-level awards, 49 AFSPC-level awards and 57 20th Air Force awards. Included among the awards is the Blanchard Trophy, presented bi-annually to the best ICBM wing in the Air Force.

"It is a great honor to see General Chilton award our Airmen with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and it's been terrific to host him at Malmstrom," said Col. Sandy Finan, commander of the 341st Space Wing. "General Chilton left knowing his number-one wing is right here."

As the general closed his remarks, he left Team Malmstrom with praise for answering the call to duty and for the contributions they make every day.

"Our Airmen are doing an outstanding job keeping our Nation safe with their actions in the Global War on Terrorism," said the general. "We are sending people to Iraq and Afghanistan to do things we don't normally train them to do in the Air Force. We have Airmen operating vehicle convoys and assisting in training Iraqi police and security forces. Space is a growing endeavor, and it's only getting bigger. I can't imagine conducting warfare today without the things our Airmen bring to the fight."