MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited here March 8 to see first-hand the base's "Attack, Rescue, Protect" mission and all the resources needed to accomplish it.

During what was his first visit to Moody, Secretary Donley met with Airmen from various career fields who are essential to accomplishing the base's mission.

"The Airmen and aircraft here are all highly valued and provide capabilities that will be useful for a long time to come," he said. "I was honored to meet the Airmen here. I was very impressed with the incredible synergy between all the different types of assets."

As part of his visit, the secretary was given a first-hand look at the capabilities provided by Moody's tenant unit, the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing.

"We provide the first-in capability that will allow us to defend anything we need at a moment's notice," said Master Sgt. Donald Gallagher, 820th Base Defense Group operations superintendent. "It's good for Secretary Donley to see what tools we offer as far as ground support goes. Because of our strong ground forces, we are more versatile in our mission and can be more self-reliant."

Secretary Donley was impressed with the demonstration put on by the 820th BDG members, which simulated part of their deployed mission. He thanked them for all the sacrifices they make.

"It is essential developing these particular capabilities that your unit provides," he said. "It's an honor speaking to veterans of deployments. You are an essential part of the mission, and I'm thankful for the personal commitment you have to it."

He also had the opportunity to speak to more deployment veterans. He listened to the individual stories of 10 Airmen from the 347th Rescue Group.

"Picking the Airmen to speak to Mr. Donley wasn't a problem because we have so many people who have combat experience," said Col. Chad Franks, 347th RQG commander. "Secretary Donley showed the Airmen that he cared about them and acknowledged their importance in the fight. It's good for them to hear that all the personal commitment and sacrifice they put into their careers are appreciated and acknowledged by higher leadership."

One of the largest sacrifices Secretary Donley acknowledged was the effects of deployment.

"Many of our rescue assets deploy often, and I know that takes a lot of determination, perseverance and support from the family," he said. "There's no doubt of the importance of what you accomplish. You're becoming a part of history, and the combat experience you gain now will go a long way in training younger troops as they join the Air Force."

In addition to meeting with Airmen, Secretary Donley also visited static displays of Moody's three main aircraft, received a resiliency briefing from base mental health specialists and took a windshield tour of other main base facilities.