AMC Command Chief visits MacDill

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rito Smith
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

The Air Mobility Command command chief master sergeant visited Airmen at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Dec. 12-13, 2016.

During her two-day visit, Chief Master Sgt. Shelina Frey toured the base and learned about Team MacDill’s mission and the Airmen who accomplish it every day.

Day one of her visit included stops at the 91st Air Refueling Squadron, the Air Traffic Control tower, the 6th Medical Group, Airfield Management, Command Post and the security forces Airmen at the Dale Mabry gate.

Frey also dined with 20 of MacDill’s NCOs, and spent time with Airmen attending the First Term Airman’s Course. Her visit also included a tour of the special operations communications Airmen at the Joint Communications Support Element.

During her visit with the Airmen, Frey shared her perspective while emphasizing a common theme.

“Our Air Force is great because of our people,” she said.

Along with speaking about Airmen and their importance to the mission, she touched on the impact of having a strong family base.

“Taking care of yourself and your family is vital,” said Frey. “A solid family, whether a traditional family or the Air Force family, can help you get through almost anything.”

At the end of each visit, Frey showed her appreciation for the highest performing Airmen from each team by coining them and thanking them for their service.

The final day of her visit included visits to MacDill’s marine patrol, the Military Personnel Section and numerous units throughout base. At each stop, Frey witnessed Team MacDill Airmen perform their daily jobs. She also explained to Airmen how their work impacts the broad-view of the Air Force.

“Whether you’re turning wrenches on the flightline, ensuring our Airmen have a nutritious meal at the dining facility or checking blood pressure at the clinic – you’re helping ensure Rapid Global Mobility for America,” said the chief. “We put an AMC aircraft in the sky every 2.8 minutes because of the work you do each day. If you didn’t take care of that crew chief when he was sick and later ensure he had a nutritious meal – he wouldn’t be at his peak when performing maintenance of our KC-135s. Those KC-135s then go on to fuel the fight against Da’esh.”

While visiting with the Airmen, Frey spoke about how the Air Force is impacted by every Airman, every day.

“Whether you leave the Air Force in four, six, 10, or 30 years, you will not leave here the same,” Frey said. “You will leave better, and you will leave the Air Force better than when you came in.”

To conclude the final day of the tour, Frey drove a marine patrol boat around the MacDill coastline. There she learned about the unique mission of the Air Force’s only 24/7 marine patrol.

 “As Marine Patrol, our job is to detect, deter and respond to waterborne threats,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Gonzalez, marine patrol crew leader assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron. “This is a 24-hour operation and we maximize our time out on the water as much as possible.”

Although Frey had only a short amount of time with each group of Airmen, she recognized their service and sacrifice.

“Our Air Force is great because of our Airmen and their families,” said Frey. “I thank you and your families for your support, service and sacrifice. Happy holidays to all of you. Happy holidays to all of your families.”