JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
General Raymond E. Johns Jr., Air Mobility Command commander, toured 459th Air Refueling Wing facilities and met with Airmen during the Unit Training Assembly, at Joint Base Andrews, Aug. 14.
General Johns was joined by Col. James M. Allman, 459 ARW commander, and other wing members as they visited multiple squadrons in the wing.
One of the general's stops included the 459th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, where he had the opportunity to speak with the wing's other medical-related units including the 459th Aerospace Medicine Squadron and the 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron.
"Eighty-eight percent of our aeromedical evacuation capability is made up of the Air National Guard and Reserve and it works beautifully. What you're doing is a huge national capability and I couldn't be more proud," said General Johns as he spoke to the medical Airmen in a conference room. "We sing your story to everyone."
During General John's visit at the 459 AES, Airmen from the medical squadrons gave high-level briefings to the AMC commander, which showcased the background of their respective squadrons and the challenges the Airmen are now facing.
Senior Airman Clement Addo, 459th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, was one of the briefers who also served as the general's aide at the Pentagon in a previous position.
"I thought it was an awesome opportunity to meet General Johns again," Airman Addo said. "I felt very blessed."
Following the 459th AES tour, General Johns met with Airmen from the 459th Maintenance Group, the 459th Operations Group and the 459th Command Post, while touring their facilities. During his time with the squadrons, General Johns also recognized the wing's top performers by providing an AMC commander's coin.
"I thought the visit went very well," said Col. Timothy E. Nelson, 459th Maintenance Group commander. He said the maintenance group briefed General Johns on how the squadrons were optimizing manpower through consolidating equipment and supplies.
"He was also impressed with the aircraft availability rates and that we were able to exceed flying hours by 20 percent; all with lower than average manning levels," Colonel Nelson said.
As General Johns visited the maintenance facilities and hangars, Colonel Nelson said the AMC commander was pleased with the great condition of the aircraft and cleanliness of the industrial areas.
Overall, General Johns said he had a great opportunity meeting with the Airmen at the 459th ARW and was proud of what he saw on the tour. During one of the briefings the AMC commander attended, he stressed the importance of what the 459th ARW contributes both to the AMC mission and to the Air Force mission.