ACC command chief visits Ellsworth

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  In order to better understand and communicate the needs of enlisted Airmen, Chief Master Sgt. Martin Klukas, the command chief of Air Combat Command, visited Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., April 13 through 16.

During his visit he toured various base facilities and met Airmen from units and organizations from across the base responsible for accomplishing the mission of the 28th Bomb Wing.

"I'm proud to be associated with all the warriors at Ellsworth who are going out there and doing an amazing job for this country," Chief Klukas said. "To see these Airmen in action is absolutely incredible."

As a highlight to his visit, Chief Klukas was able to see B-1B Lancer aircrews conduct a training mission in conjunction with joint terminal attack controllers from Iowa, courtesy of the B-1 simulator. Maj. Jan-Peter Linch, 28th Bomb Wing wing weapons officer, explained that simulator operations have gone through numerous upgrades in order to meet the training needs of aircrews.

"Whether we are training for close air support or air interdiction scenarios, the simulator is prepared to handle our training needs," Major Linch said. "Our aircrews have to be ready to fly a variety of missions at anytime, so we need our training equipment to keep up."

As the chief watched the B-1 aircrew communicate with JTACs in another state, he remarked on the evolution of training materials used to improve the skills of all Airmen.

"As a former Tactical Air Control Party Airmen, I'm always amazed to see how far we've come with the technology we use to train our Airmen," he said. "The ability to cross-talk and cross-check information in real time is invaluable. And having a B-1, with all its upgrades and capabilities, over your head in a combat zone is a priceless addition to the fight."

In addition to witnessing simulator operations, Chief Klukas was able to sit down for dinner with swing and mid-shift junior enlisted Airmen at the Bandit Inn dining facility. He spoke with them about his experiences in the Air Force, offered advice and answered questions the Airmen posed to him.

"The best way for me to study my career development courses at work is to print them off," said Airman 1st Class Jared Boyer, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron offensive avionics systems technician. "Since the push to electronic CDCs, it has been more and more difficult to devote time at work to study. We are always busy on the flightline, so sometimes work and studies have to come home with you."

Chief Klukas responded by explaining the Air Force has been transitioning to e-CDCs as a way to save money, but the most important concern should be providing Airmen the training and skills they need to complete the mission.

"We can't expect our warriors to always have computer access on the job," he said. "Right now, we are looking at possibly incorporating CDCs into a portable device that Airmen in the field can use to keep up with their studies."

Additionally, the chief said he was very excited to sit down and talk with Airmen who played a role in Operation Odyssey Dawn.

"It takes the whole base to do something like that," he said. "It's 'game on' and everything suddenly changes. But, that's what it means to be part of something special. Twenty-five years from now, when you are sitting where I am, as a chief, you can tell Airmen how you helped make history at the 28th Bomb Wing."

Airman Boyer echoed Chief Klukas' sentiment with a memory he said would stay with him forever.

"I was here when the jets took off," Airman Boyer said. "That was an awesome feeling I'll remember for the rest of my life."

Chief Klukas encouraged the Airmen to take moments like their contribution to Operation Odyssey Dawn and use them as motivation.

"Whatever you want, whatever you envision - you can get there if you devote yourself to it," he said. "And once you achieve your goals, it will be the time of your life."