8th AF Command Chief Visits

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephen Linch
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  "Our number one priority is reinvigorating the nuclear enterprise and eliminating risk," said Chief Master Sgt. Todd Kabalan, the 8th Air Force command chief master sergeant, during his visit to Whiteman Aug. 14-17.

Chief Kabalan, a 30-year Air Force veteran and the senior enlisted adviser to Lt. Gen. Robert Elder, 8th Air Force commander, is also keen on such issues as morale, welfare and improving the effectiveness of more than 35,000 enlisted Airmen assigned to the information operations and bomber war fighting missions of 8th Air Force.

In addition to seeing the mission first hand, Chief Kabalan interacted with the Airmen of Whiteman and re-emphasized the 8th Air Force commander's message and priorities.

"Everything we do should focus on precision and reliability," said Chief Kabalan. "This includes operations, support, medical and maintenance. From security forces to services, it is all critical to our ongoing effort to restore our nation's confidence."

Since entering the Air Force at age 17, he has learned a few things about eliminating risk.

"So, how do we eliminate risk in our Air Force," the Chief asked rhetorically. "By practicing and applying the 'basics' as outlined by our Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force in his recent perspective on 'blocking and tackling.' 

"We must stress the importance of our profession to include proper wear of the uniform, military bearing and standards of discipline, customs and courtesies, and the importance of following technical data and air Force Instructions, just to name a few," he said.

After visiting with members of Team Whiteman the chief was sure they were up to the challenge.

"The common themes I have found here, is professional Airmen are doing a superior job with limited resources," he said. "The mission here speaks for itself. The capability this wing offers our nation is incredible!

"We have the best Airmen in the history of our Air Force who are rising to the challenges before us. We are all over this," he said confidently.