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COMACC praises Rapid Raptor Tyndall Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  U.S. Air Force Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, visited Tyndall recently to personally thank the men and women who made the first ever Rapid Raptor to U. S. Air Forces in Europe training deployment happen.

"This deployment made a difference and it made a big impact," said Carlisle about the Rapid Raptor. "It was recognized at the highest levels of this government. Our Air Force is a national asset and this capability we have in the Air Force is certainly one too."

During his visit, Carlisle stopped by the 95th Fighter Squadron, 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit and the 325th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal unit.

"Our team that put this deployment together did an amazing job, and General Carlisle's visit was a great opportunity for our Airmen to know that the hard work they do daily is appreciated at the highest levels.  Our Airmen are establishing their own unique legacy," said Col. Joseph D. Kunkel, 325th Fighter Wing vice commander. "Tyndall Air Force Base is home to the world's largest fleet of F-22 Raptors and now the world knows that we can deploy Raptors within 24 hours anywhere and anytime. This is a great example of how we execute the 325th Fighter Wing mission of projecting unrivaled combat air power."

General Carlisle entered an Airmen-filled auditorium for a Rapid Raptor/USAFE deployment debrief. Before giving a speech to all the attendees Carlisle coined and presented certificates to 10 outstanding performers who excelled during this deployment.

"Great work. I'm incredibly proud of all of you, and thanks for what you are doing," Carlisle said.

"We have great people in our Air Force and we also have incredible leaders that lead from the front," Carlisle said. "You are an example of that. It showed in the way this deployment was conducted."

One of those outstanding performers was Staff Sgt. Ryan Pottmeyer, 95th AMU dedicated crew chief.

"I was surprised to hear that General Carlisle was coming to present us with anything initially," he said. "I was very grateful to see him take the time to acknowledge the enlisted guys and our work." 
 
The sacrifices and hard work of every Airman during this Rapid Raptor deployment was not unnoticed by Air Force leadership.

"Secretary [of the Air Force Deborah Lee] James and Gen. [Mark A.] Welsh [III Air Force Chief of Staff] told me to personally convey their thanks for the professionalism, dedication, discipline and character that you guys showed in executing this deployment," said Carlisle. "This truly was extraordinary. We will take advantage of everything we learned. We have plans and ways to take advantage of this capability to make the same statement that you made during this deployment."

Before leaving, Carlisle had one last request for everyone.

"If you can, if it works for you and your family, stay with us," he added. "I know the Air Force has put you through a lot, I know there are a lot of challenges out there and I know families are the ultimate priority, but if you can figure out a way, between you and your families, to stay in the Air Force and continue doing what you are doing we need you now more than ever."

These words rang true to Pottmeyer.

"I was very touched to hear him ask us for our continued service and support," he said.  "It's not often I feel someone that high in leadership is truly in touch with our sacrifices and struggles."