9th AF commander, command chief experience Moody capabilities

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  For the first time since assuming their current positions in August, the 9th Air Force commander and command chief took a trip to one of the bases in their command.

Their visit to Moody was the first in an eventual tour of all 9th AF bases and gave the leaders insight to the missions of the various units here.

"Although I've been to many Air Force bases over my career, I had never been to Moody before," said Maj. Gen. Stephen Hoog, 9th AF commander. "I was glad to get the opportunity to come out and get oriented with the two great wings on this base."

Although the chief had briefly spent time here before, he said this visit gave him the chance to get a real understanding of the variety of missions and everything this base can accomplish.

"The timing of our visit happened to coincide with the 820th Base Defense Group redesignation ceremony," said Chief Master Sgt. Robert Brooks, 9th AF command chief. "Although I had an idea of what they did before I came, I really understand now the full scope of their capabilities and what they can do."

Due to the redesignation, the 820th BDG was also eager to highlight the other 12 Air Force specialty codes within the unit.

"We were proud to be able to show off all of our capabilities, including displays from our communications personnel and independent medical technicians," said Master Sgt. Donald Gallagher, 820th BDG NCO in-charge of future operations, and planner for the day's static displays and military operations in urban terrain demonstration. "It's important to show off our Airmen protecting Air Force resources and assets."

In addition to the 820th BDG's abilities, the general also added that he appreciated being able to see the other side of the rescue mission.

"While deployed, I've witnessed the great support the A-10s provided our expeditionary forces," said General Hoog. "Being able to see how those teams organize, train and equip themselves was truly impressive, especially considering the high ops tempo here.

"The search and rescue capabilities we have are useful not only downrange, but also during peacetime," he added. "About once a week, we get word of a stranded hiker that we are able to save; this shows the effect our units can even have on the community."

Moody has geographically separated units at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., and Nellis AFB, Nev., that can provide personnel recovery support.

While deployed, units with this type of capability support not only fellow Airmen, but servicemembers from our sister branches. In all these cases, it can be comforting to know about that ability.

"Having people and equipment capable of personnel recovery are truly a force motivator," said Chief Brooks. "Our men and women feel better going into combat with the knowledge that if something were to happen to them, we have the ability to get in and pull them out."

Their visit also covered not only rescue forces, but included other mission support units including the 23rd Medical Group, 347th Rescue Group, air control tower and 23rd Fighter Group.

"It's important for us to get out and see how all our units operate because it's easy to lose track of reality sitting at a computer," said Chief Brooks. "By getting out and visiting the units and doing things such as eating breakfast or working out with outstanding Airmen, we learn a lot more."

The two leaders' stay spanned three days and they plan on eventually make their way to each base within their command to also get an idea of how they operate.