Moody welcomes 9th AF, ACC commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Members of the 23rd Wing and 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing, a tenant wing on Moody, welcomed the 9th Air Force commander during a visit here Dec. 7-8.

During the visit, Maj. Gen. William Holland, 9th Air Force commander, Air Combat Command, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., was given opportunities to meet with various Airmen from the wing, witness a deployment and observe a Phase I Operational Readiness Exercise first-hand.

"Moody has a very unique mission," said General Holland. "Having two separate wings with such a high operations tempo makes for a lot of activity on a day-to-day basis.

"I got an opportunity to speak to some wonderful members of the base," he added. "It's been fantastic meeting them all. Each person I encountered was positive and had very high morale as well as a warrior mentality."

Originally, the general intended to participate in the 822nd Security Forces Squadron's homecoming from Camp Bucca, Iraq. The 822 SFS' plane was delayed and the homecoming event scheduled for Dec. 7 was rescheduled for Dec. 8, after General Holland's departure.

"This is a very significant accomplishment for the 820th Security Forces Group," said General Holland. "This homecoming marks the end of the 820th SFG mission at Camp Bucca. They performed magnificently, and as they continue to serve, I look forward to seeing them answer their nation's call."

For the first time since the 820th SFG's inception in 2000, the three security forces squadrons assigned to the 820th will be home for the holiday season.

"We are extremely happy to have the 822nd SFS home for the holidays," said Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander. "They represented the Air Force and Moody proudly and with distinction during their deployment, and they deserve to spend time with their families and enjoy the holiday season.

"As we welcome the 820th home, we will continue to concentrate on the high operations tempo that includes various Moody unit's deploying and redeploying throughout the holiday season," he added.

Colonel Henderson also added that the 23rd Wing will remain focused on preparing the base for the upcoming Phase I Operational Readiness Inspection and the ability to rapidly deploy our Airmen, aircraft, and equipment when the nation calls.

During the general's visit, he was able to observe Airmen of the 23rd Wing as they participated in a Phase I ORE. The Airmen are preparing for the upcoming Phase I ORI scheduled for March 2010.

"ORI's are a serious business--their focus is to test a wing's ability to deploy at a moment's notice," said General Holland. "All Airmen must be ready to work hard and perform to the best of their abilities. This is what we're paid to do."

General Holland also pointed out how impressed he is with the Airmen, civilian employees and local community when he visits Moody.

"Every time I come to Moody I am energized by the members of the 23rd Wing and the local community," he said. "I love it down here; I'm always amazed with the relationship the base shares with the local area. It's not just a partnership, it's a friendship."

As General Holland prepared for his departure from Moody he left with some words of advice.

"As the holiday season approaches, the operations tempo and deployments will remain constant. This year we are celebrating "The Year of the Air Force Family" and I ask Airmen to re-look at their priorities, remember that family and friends need them to be safe and secure as well as the Air Force.

"Each and every one of our people is vital to our mission. From active duty servicemembers to civilian employees to our family members, I want you to remain safe, healthy and happy through the holiday season."