TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFNS) —
Below Secretary of the Air Pressure Gina Ortiz Jones not too long ago visited Tinker Air Pressure Base to satisfy with Airmen and be taught extra concerning the missions they assist.
Through the go to, Jones traveled to the Oklahoma Metropolis Air Logistics Advanced, which is the biggest upkeep depot throughout the Air Pressure Materiel Command and helps numerous plane and engine workloads.
Jones toured the F-135 engine restore line operation, which showcased revolutionary course of enhancements which have decreased engine upkeep occasions by half.
“Visiting the F-135 engine restore line in the present day was an exquisite alternative to acknowledge the exhausting work of the Oklahoma Metropolis Air Logistic Advanced and its companions,” Jones stated. “They’ve needed to pioneer new processes and overcome unexpected challenges whereas nonetheless supporting the high-priority, crucial operational wants of the warfighter.”
Throughout her cease on the 552nd Air Management Wing, she was offered a mission temporary and static show tour of the E-3 Sentry, an airborne warning and management system plane. The E-3 crew on-hand additionally flew the historic first Pleasure flight, with a lot of the crew being members of the LGBTQ+ group.
“We’d like expertise as numerous because the challenges and alternatives that we face as a rustic,” Jones stated. “I’m proud to focus on this historic flight, a strong demonstration of the DAF’s dedication to an inclusive and mission prepared drive.”
Throughout her time with the 552nd, Jones spoke briefly concerning the division’s transition from the E-3 to the E-7 Wedgetail.
“The E-3 has served our Air Pressure, our nation, and our allies properly because it was introduced into service in 1977,” she stated. “Nevertheless, the pacing problem calls for a extra succesful platform, and we’re enthusiastic about bringing on the E7.”
Jones additionally visited one of many three youngster improvement facilities on the set up. These services present day by day care of youngsters from infants as much as preschool age. It’s the oldest CDC, having been constructed on a flood plain in 1974, with 2 renovations and additions over time. Funding for this sort of assist infrastructure has been a historic wrestle throughout the Air Pressure.
“CDC West exemplifies services and employees throughout the division that assist Airmen and Guardians and permits them to generate the mission and undertaking fight energy with out worrying if their family members are cared for,” Jones stated.
Jones made it a prime precedence whereas at Tinker AFB to attach with sufferer assist service suppliers. She spoke with representatives from the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response coordinator; home abuse sufferer advocacy; Workplace of Particular Investigations; Range, Fairness, Inclusion, and Accessibility Workplace; psychological well being; the group assist coordinator; first sergeants; commanders; and others who work in sufferer advocacy. The working lunch was an open dialogue to listen to straight from leaders and assist suppliers about their work and approach to enhance total assist to victims.
Jones directed the Division of the Air Pressure to determine a pilot program to co-locate assist providers for victims of sexual assault, sexual harassment, home violence and different harms throughout the spectrum of inter-personal violence. Tinker AFB will function a management base because the pilot effort continues.
Jones spoke with Airmen about how variety and inclusion makes us a extra mission prepared and deadly drive.
“If in case you have the braveness to lift your proper hand to assist and defend the structure, as leaders, it’s our job to make sure you are able to do so to your full potential,” Jones stated.
