CMSAF visits Creech, thanks Airmen for their service

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alice Moore
  • 432d Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AFB, Nev. --  The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visited Creech AFB Oct. 6th through 7th to get a first-hand look at the base and operations as well as visit the Airmen assigned here. 

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, said it had been about three years since his last visit to Creech. He wanted to come back to thank all the Airmen for their performance and impact in fighting the war on terrorism. He also wanted everyone to know that Air Force leadership is fully committed to taking care of them. 

"My impression of Creech is that we have incredible Airmen dedicated to their mission," Chief McKinley said. "These Airmen are having a tremendous impact fighting the war on terrorism. I think their role will increase due to more of a demand for the UAS so we (senior leadership) have to ensure we fully provide the support to Creech and the Airmen who work here so that they can continue to be successful." 

During Chief McKinley's visit he received a first-hand look at the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper operations as well as visited with maintenance and security forces Airmen assigned to the base. He also visited some of the base facilities such as the shoppette and recreation center. 

It was apparent for the chief that each and every Airman assigned to Creech are truly among the best that the Air Force has to offer. He used the role of the sensor operator as an example of the level of dedication of the Airmen here. 

"There's a tremendous amount of responsibility placed on these young sensor operators, but even the youngest Airmen have met that challenge head on. I think they welcome it," Chief McKinley said. "No matter what rank, the leadership recognizes that these young Airmen are doing an incredible job. Rather than the rank on their sleeve, it's about the motivation, experience and dedication these Airmen bring to the table and I think each and every one of them are proving their worth." 

Chief McKinley also held an "All Call" for Airmen of all ranks to answer questions and share some key information. During the "All Call" he discussed how senior Air Force leadership is working on improvements for the Airmen Battle Uniform and PT uniform. 

He also emphasized that supervisors should take the time to get to know their Airmen as well as hold them accountable to military and Air Force standards. 

As Chief McKinley prepared to depart the base he said the one thing that stood out to him during his visit were the positive attitudes of every Airmen assigned to Creech. 

"No one was complaining about a lack of quality of life because they know exactly why they're here and understand the importance of that they're doing, but for me it's easy to recognize there's a true need," he said. "Quality of life is important to all Airmen and their families no matter where we're stationed. I understand the stress that goes along with the job these Airmen have. I came here today to learn and understand more about the vital UAS mission and to also see what we can do as an Air Force to help improve the quality of life for the Airmen who work here." 

Chief McKinley also thanked everyone here for their high level of dedication to their work and for showing him their amazing missions. 

"You are incredible Airmen, doing an incredible job. Thank you for all you do for our Air Force, our allies and our nation."