An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News Stories
NEWS | March 26, 2024

Leadership at altitude: Top enlisted service member visits 459th Wing

By Airman 1st Class Gianluca Ciccopiedi | 316th Wing Public Affairs

The 459th Air Refueling Wing hosted the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, for an air refueling orientation flight, March 19, 2024. 

The flight offered Black a firsthand experience of the 459th Air Refueling Wing’s mission, providing a comprehensive view of aerial refueling operations critical to U.S. military efforts. It featured eight F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 112th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Ohio Air National Guard, refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 756th Air Refueling Squadron, Joint Base Andrews, Md., underscoring the importance of interoperability and collaboration across different units and geographical locations.
 
After the flight, Black spoke with Airmen from the 459th Air Refueling Wing, where he offered advice about their professional development, their role in the Joint Force and the importance of preparing as a warfighter.

Search
Feature
Pilot stands in front of plane.

Faces behind the Joint Base Andrews Air Show

From logistics and ground operations to aerial coordination, Airmen, civilians and community partners have been working behind the scenes to bring the 2025 Joint Base Andrews Andrews Air Show to life.The work of these teams spans every corner of the...
Commentary
photo of Senior Master Sgt. Cruz

Lessons in leadership for new supervisors

I had the honor of serving as class mentor for Airman Leadership School Class 25-Foxtrot, and I was guest speaker at their graduation on Aug. 28, 2025. Watching these dedicated Airmen complete their first level of professional military education was...