MANSFIELD-LAHM AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ohio (AFNS) â Â
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. visited with Airmen and leadership at the 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield-Lahm Air National Guard Base April 2, ahead of their historic mission conversion to a cyberspace wing.
During his visit, Brown met with Ohio National Guard leadership, conducted a roundtable with junior enlisted Airmen and hosted an all-call to express his support for the wing and highlight the vital role the 179th AW plays in accelerating change for the future.
âWe are in the most dynamic environment weâve ever faced so we have to be engaged in change and I canât think of a place in our Air Force facing more change than right here in Mansfield,â Brown said. âCyber engagements happen daily; they are happening right now. Thatâs why what is changing here and what you will do is so important, not just for our force, but for our nation.â
The Air Force selected the 179th AW to be the Air National Guardâs first cyberspace wing in the country, Aug. 25, 2022, and has been in the process of converting the wing, infrastructure and mission since.
âMansfield has a unique opportunity. What you are doing here hasnât been done. You can write the playbook for others to follow,â Brown said. âItâs important for us to engage here as you drive that change.â
Brown emphasized the important place Mansfield has in shaping the role of cyber operations in the Air Force. The theme of change and how Airmen must embrace and lean into it for future success was integrated into each part of the visit.
âA critical piece of my strategic approach is the key word âĤ collaboration. As Airmen, we all need to be multi-capable to get the mission done,â Brown said. âWe do not play to lose. Iâm in it to win it and my job is supporting you so you can focus on doing your job.â
Before his departure, Brown gave Airmen the opportunity to ask questions before concluding his visit. He also thanked the wing for their resilience through the transitions they have made and will face. Brown reiterated his confidence in the wingâs ability to meet the needs of tomorrow.
âAs you go through this historic change, donât give up. Itâs not about what we say that makes a difference, itâs about what we do,â Brown said. âI trust every one of you and I have your back.â
Story by Capt Jordyn Craft, 179th Airlift Wing
Photos by MSgt Joe Harwood
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