31st FW commander introduces new wing mission statement, vision, priorities

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 31st Fighter Wing public affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Fighter Wing commander introduced his revision of the wing's mission, vision and priorities to base leaders during a meeting at the wing headquarters building Sept. 30. 

"We are more than your standard F-16 wing," said Brig. Gen. C. Q. Brown Jr., 31st FW commander. "In more ways than one, at locations around the globe, the presence of the 31st FW Airmen is felt. The new wing mission and vision are short and to the point, but illustrate the huge contributions Aviano Airmen make every day" 

The decision to change the wing's mission statement and to draft a vision statement and priorities was done in coordination with the wing's senior leaders, said General Brown. 

"I've elected to make this change for several reasons," said the commander. "The past mission statement was lengthy and could be difficult to remember verbatim. Additionally, I felt that if we asked our Airmen what is the mission of the 31st FW, we would have a myriad of answers that were all over the map. 

MISSION
Deliver combat power and support across the globe to achieve U.S. and NATO objectives. 

"The mission statement is short and something all of our Airmen can remember when asked and captures the fact that we support both U.S. and NATO objectives," said General Brown. "This is important for our Airmen to understand and is sometimes the driver for what makes us as busy as we are ... preparing to ensure we achieve both objectives." 

VISION
An unrivaled fighter wing of outstanding Airmen trained, ready, and dedicated to executing the wing's mission. 

"Simply stated, our Airmen must be trained, ready and dedicated," said the commander about the new vision statement. 

PRIORITIES
Maintain ability to execute 31st FW mission - anytime, anywhere
Establish and maintain people-focused programs
Modernize and sustain Aviano infrastructure 

"The priorities are closely aligned to mission, people and infrastructure that the wing has been focused on since before I took command," said General Brown. 

MOTTO "Return with Honor" 
"We, the members of the 31st Pursuit Group, knowing full well that we are a team whose mission can be accomplished only when each and every one of us plays his position to the best of his ability, and in cooperation with one another; do hereby pledge ourselves to go forth unto our appointed tasks with fearless determination, to pursue them relentlessly to their conclusion and to 'Return with Honor'". 

The wing's motto dates back to the Army Air Corps. In addition to "Return with Honor," the commander said, "I think it is important to note that this background associated with our motto is still applicable today, particularly that 'We are a team whose mission can be accomplished only when each and every one of us plays his position to the best of his ability.'" 

General Brown asked all senior leaders to discuss the wing's mission, vision, priorities and motto with their Airmen and identify how their organizations and each individual Airman has a role in ensuring the wing is successful and we "Return with Honor" in every endeavor.