SecAF impressed with Airmen, B-2

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley is greeted by Brig. Gen. Robert Wheeler June 8, 2010, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Secretary Donley visited Whiteman AFB to become more familiar with the wing's mission and speak with base Airmen. General Wheeler is the 509th Bomb Wing commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Carlin Leslie)

SecAF impressed with Airmen, B-2

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley completes an interview with Staff Sgt. Scott Johnson and Airman 1st Class Montse Ramirez June 8, 2010, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. In addition to touring the base and getting an update on the B-2 Spirit's mission, Secretary Donley met with base commanders and civic leaders from the Base Community Council to discuss Whiteman AFB's tie to the community. Sergeant Johnson and Airman Ramirez are assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs office. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Carlin Leslie)

SecAF impressed with Airmen, B-2

Published June 10, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Montse Ramirez
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley met with Airmen, and base and community leaders, and received a first-hand look at the B-2 Spirit mission during his visit to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 8.

"I've been looking forward to this for many years, wanting to see the B-2 at its home here at Whiteman," Secretary Donley said. "It's been a great visit, seeing some great examples of total force collaboration between the active and the Air Guard personnel here, operating side-by-side to support this aircraft.

"There is such a great sense of teamwork here and ingenuity that has kept this aircraft at a high state of readiness," Secretary Donley continued. "(The B-2) has undertaken lots of innovative modifications driven by Airmen with good ideas and implemented by Airmen with great skill at a good cost to the tax payers."

Secretary Donley was impressed with not only the quality of the Airmen, but also the aircraft.

"The aircraft has improved, even from the great capability that it provided when it was first fielded," Secretary Donley said. "It has continued to evolve over the years and remains a cutting-edge capability for our Air Force and the nation."

Secretary Donley said he was pleased with Air Force Global Strike Command's growth thus far.

"The establishment of Global Strike was one of the most important decisions that General (Norton) Schwartz and I made when we first came into these leadership positions in 2008," he said. "We are very pleased with the results so far, and I know (Lt. Gen. Frank) Klotz is very pleased with the integration of the bomber and missile forces that he has brought together in Global Strike Command.

"We are on the right path, and we are looking forward to continuing to gain the benefits of this focus on the nuclear mission as we go forward," he concluded.