AETC commander visits Luke

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tristan Hinderliter
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The top officer in Air Education and Training command, Gen. Robin Rand, a former wing commander here, and his wife, Kim, visited Luke Air Force Base Dec. 4 through 6 to talk to Airmen about his priorities and vision for the command.

"The best part of the job is to come out here and have the opportunity to meet with Airmen and their families," Rand told a group of commanders, chiefs and first sergeants. "That's what I like the most. That's what my focus is, and that's where I hope your focus is as well."

Rand, who assumed command of AETC in October, said his priorities are mission, Airmen and family. He also emphasized the importance of the Air Force core values, saying these simple tenants every Airman is taught early in their career will go a long way toward ensuring a culture of dignity and respect.

"I'm going to do everything I can to make sure I live by the core values as your commander," he said. "That's a commitment I make, and I ask you to do the same."

The general discussed several areas he would like to emphasize in AETC, including living by the Airman's Creed, telling the Air Force story, maintaining and enforcing standards, being good role models and wingmen and ensuring Airmen know leaders care about them.

While at Luke, Rand visited several units, including the 56th Medical Group, the 607th Air Control Squadron, the 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 944th Fighter Wing. He visited the 310th Fighter Squadron where he had lunch with F-16 B-course students.

Rand also visited the two newest units at Luke, the 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit and the 61st FS. Both were recently reactivated as the first F-35 units at Luke. The 61st FS is expected to receive its first aircraft early next year.

"The mission is our top priority, and nobody is doing it better than you guys right here at Luke," Rand told a large group of Airmen at one of several commander's calls he held for various groups. "Graduate level F-16 training and soon to be F-35 training. Wow. You have a phenomenal mission here. I want to thank you so much for what you're doing for our Air Force."

The general and his wife attended a community reception on Dec. 4 with approximately 100 civic leaders and Luke AFB leadership.

"It's really special for Kim and me to have the opportunity to come back and visit," Rand said. "The West Valley community and the entire state of Arizona are incredibly supportive of the Airmen, families and mission of the base. Luke is truly fortunate to enjoy tremendous community support."