ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Chief Master Sgt. Alan Boling, command chief for the 8th Air Force, visited Ellsworth March 7 to 9 to meet the Airmen and witness the 28th Bomb Wing execute its mission.
During his visit, Boling met with Col. Gentry Boswell, commander of the 28th BW, senior non-commissioned officers, first sergeants, and other enlisted leaders during his tour, as well as multiple facilities around base, including the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron Deployment Center, 28th Medical Group, 28th Security Forces Simulations Training Facility, and indoor Military Working Dog Training Facility.
“It was my first visit as the 8th Air Force command chief,” Boling said. “I came down to see all of the great facilities, experience what the organizations had to offer and primarily to meet the Airmen I had heard such great things about ; they did not disappoint.”
While touring Ellsworth, Boling met with a variety of stellar Airmen, getting to know them personally while also taking the opportunity to teach them about 8th Air Force. Airmen provided Boling with a Cold Spray demo, security forces guard mount brief, and a tour of the B-1 bomber.
“There’s no organization in the United States Air Force that epitomizes the mission than the mighty 8th [AF] and all of our bomber wings,” Boling explained. “Our bomber wings make up 60 percent of our combat capability in the USAF. With Ellsworth and Dyess back since February 2010, all the bombers are now in the mighty 8th [AF] and it’s just like it was when we stood up 8th Air Force 75 years ago.”
Once finished touring the base, Boling had a chance to reflect on what he had experienced during his trip.
"The trip was outstanding,” he said assuredly. “The one thing that I can say I’m most impressed with at Ellsworth is the ingenuity of the people who work here to make things happen, and to improve their facilities, working conditions and each other, just off of their initiatives.”
After speaking with members of team Ellsworth and seeing all they do, the chief was sure they were up to the challenge.
“I’m proud to serve with the Airmen here,” Boling said. “Chief [Master Sgt.] Vizi and Col. Boswell are so proud of what they do, and everything I’ve seen just backs up the fact that the people of the 28th Bomb Wing do it right.”