12th AF vice commander shares thoughts with Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. --  Brig. Gen. Joseph Mudd Jr, 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern vice commander, visited here Jan. 25 and 26 as guest speaker for the 28th Bomb Wing Annual Awards Banquet, discuss current operations for 12th Air Force, and talk about what AFSO-21 holds for America's Airmen.

He described the big picture for Airmen located at the seven active-duty locations and three direct reporting units comprising 12th Air Force.

"The 12th Air Force mission is to provide combat-ready forces to Air Combat Command for use anywhere in the world where needed," General Mudd said. "On the other hand, as Air Forces Southern Command, we serve as the air and space component to U.S. Southern Command.

"In this capacity, we oversee Air Force assets at five forward locations stationed in Ecuador, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Curacao and Colombia."

General Mudd explained the vastness of 12th Air Force's area of responsibility also includes a rather unique mission extending to other countries.

"Air Forces Southern Command is also responsible for enhancing civil and military relations in the area of responsibility, which includes more than 30 countries in Central and South America, and the Caribbean," he said.

This mission allows Airmen in the command to not only continue the fight in Southwest Asia; but also play a key role in counter-drug operations.

"First, let me say we are actively engaged in both the Global War on Terror as well as the (Area of Responsibility) in Central and South America," said General Mudd. "On any given day we have almost 1,000 Airmen supporting our operations to include participating in exercises, providing humanitarian assistance like building schools and clinics, and providing medical care."

General Mudd explained some other missions in Central and South America center on servicemembers from all military branches in Southern Command and include professional and educational exchange, economic development and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

During his visit, the 29-year Air Force veteran shared his thoughts on Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, more popularly referred to as AFSO-21.
"To me, it's a mindset," said General Mudd.

"AFSO-21 will march unnecessary work out the door forever," he said. "Airmen are using the power of ideas to make our Air Force more efficient.

"We will use generated savings to recapitalize and modernize air, space and cyberspace systems," General Mudd added.

General Mudd, an aviator with bomber experience, looks to Air Force history to ram home the importance of Airmen at all levels trimming the fat from work that does not translate into combat airpower for the theater commander.

"In some respects, we have to re-define ourselves, cut out the waste of time and figure out better ways to do things."

In addition to looking ahead with AFSO-21 in mind and supporting the forces on the ground in the deployed environment, General Mudd explained the needs of the troops back home supporting the mission cannot be forgotten.

"I think we're at a stage in the Air Force where we really have to focus on the needs -- the personal needs -- of our people whenever we can," the General explained.
"Their personal time is precious to them and their families."

The general, who has wing command experience, said supervision at all levels should spend some time studying how unnecessary work can be eliminated in order to allow subordinates family time, time for off-duty education or time to study for promotion.

General Mudd explains that translates into combat power and mission capability for the Air Force.

"That's a force-enabler all by itself," he said. "When commanders make things better for their troops, someone will give you the shirt off their back if it means completing the mission."

General Mudd said he enjoyed meeting the men and women that comprise Ellsworth and make up a part of 12th Air Force.

"I'm very proud to be a part of 12th Air Force and I'm even more proud of you ... the men and women of Ellsworth, who continue to stay strong and fight in the Global War on Terror," he said.

"You are true warriors and it's my honor to serve with you."