New Air Force financial leadership visits Ellsworth

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  South Dakota Senator John Thune and the Honorable John Gibson II, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller visited the Air Force Financial Service Center here Feb. 19. 

This was Mr. Gibson's first visit to the AFFSC as he was recently appointed to his position. 

Senator Thune and Mr. Gibson received a detailed briefing on the status of the center, as it's constantly assuming more financial functions across the Air Force. After the briefing, the two gentlemen toured the facility and met the Airmen and civilian members that will eventually absorb all things financial related in the Air Force. 

During the visit, Mr. Gibson said the AFFSC is "on plan" and the center "is truly in business." 

"Anytime we can generate savings, that frees up money up to go to other areas that we can prioritize," Mr. Gibson said. 

Consolidating the bulk of the financial world into one location will save the Air Force money, which can ultimately help fund the priority warfighting platforms of tomorrow such as the F-35 Lightning II and the next generation long range strike bomber. This consolidation's definitive goal, according to Mr. Gibson, is to allow the Air Force "to win today's fight, support our Airmen and win tomorrow's challenges." 

According to AFFSC leadership, the center is about 30 percent complete and is currently servicing 23 Air Force installations. The Air Force will save more than $200 million over a period of ten years as the AFFSC becomes 100 percent operational; it's scheduled to happen this Fall. 

This high-level visit from these two distinguished civilian leaders was marked as a resounding success by wing leadership. 

"I am extremely happy to have hosted Senator Thune and Mr. Gibson during their visit," said Col. Scott Vander Hamm, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "This was Mr. Gibson's first trip to Ellsworth, and I can tell you he was extremely impressed with the caliber of Airmen in the AFFSC and the progress they're making. This visit was a team effort, and I extend my personal thanks to everyone that made it happen." 

A video broadcast production of Mr. Gibson and Mr. Thune's visit to the AFFSC may be found at www.ellsworth.af.mil.