Wing commander discusses way forward

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius V. Delos Reyes
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Fighter Wing's top leader addressed Team Aviano during a commander's call at the Dragon Fitness Center June 2 -- recapping some of the installation's milestones since taking command a year ago.

Brig. Gen. C.Q. Brown Jr., 31st FW commander, highlighted some of Aviano's major accomplishments and reminded the Airmen of his expectations from the base and what everyone can expect from him in accomplishing the installation's mission.

"I have four leadership tenets -- execute at a high standard, disciplined execution, pay attention to detail, and have fun," General Brown said. "This is how I operate and what you can expect from me."

"Here is what I expect from you; this fully applies to me as well, and I don't care what your rank is, what your specialty or where you work -- we must execute to the best of our abilities, do it right the first time and be accountable of our actions," General Brown said.

He encouraged everyone to "Commit to Improvement...Every Day!" He believes that "we can work smarter, not harder." The general also asked for everyone's help in identifying processes and systems that need improvement.

Moreover, he also discussed Aviano's mission of delivering combat power and support across the globe to achieve U.S. and NATO objectives.

Various events that have happened for the past year were also addressed, including an F-16 Fighting Falcon system configuration upgrade, deployments, visits by distinguished guests, and numerous inspections.

Some of the challenges General Brown spoke about, not only impact Team Aviano but the Air Force to include manpower changes and resource constraints.

General Brown further iterated his thoughts in correspondence to the wing's commanders, chiefs, and first sergeants following the commander's call:

"We and our Airmen have two options: whine and complain or "Commit to Improvement...Every Day!" It's ok to whine and complain, but the situation will not change unless we take action to effect a change. As we engage with our Airmen over the coming year, we need to continually ask them what they have thought of to improve the Air Force, the 31 FW, their unit, their duty section and how leadership can help. As leaders we need to be asking ourselves the same question, what improvements are we making and fighting for so that our Airmen can "work smarter, not harder." All the improvement or change may not come as quickly as we'd like, but I guarantee they will not come at all if we don't start the dialogue to generate action."

General Brown closed the commander's call expressing his appreciation to the wing. "Thank you for everything you do to make our wing successful so we can live up to our motto, 'Return with Honor,'" General Brown said. "We are very successful. I appreciate all your hard work."