AFGSC commander visits Team Whiteman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cody H. Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Air Force Global Strike Command's new top leader highlighted the importance of the nuclear deterrence and global strike mission, during a visit here, Jan 21.

Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski emphasized the special trust and responsibility the command has as stewards of the Air Force's strategic forces.

"Nuclear deterrence provides the foundation for strategic stability among major powers by deterring adversaries and assuring allies," said the general.

He highlighted three challenges ahead for the command.

The first challenge is to consolidate recent successes while continuing to restore a culture that embraces the special trust and responsibility we have as stewards of our nuclear arsenal, the general said.

Second, while pursuing excellence in nuclear deterrence, it is important not to forget the conventional, or non-nuclear, missions in support of ongoing conflicts.

The third challenge is to sustain and enhance the current force, while preparing to meet the challenges of the future, he said.

Toward this end, it is important for Airmen to consider ways to increase productivity, while encouraging a culture of new and innovative ideas, he noted.

"I trust you to get the mission done with the precision and discipline required," he said, while sharing his secret to success.

"Discipline is the single most common characteristic of success--personal discipline and organizational discipline," he said.

"Your wing has had an impressive year," he concluded. "You've had significant achievements. What you do every day is important to our nation, to our Air Force and to each other."