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Secretary of the Air Force visits Keesler

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  • By Airman 1st Class Stephan Coleman
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James visited here May 29-30, to meet with Airmen, see base operations and discuss her priorities as a new Air Force leader.

Her first visit to Keesler was packed full with a tour of the base, including the unveiling of the Keesler exhibit at the Biloxi Visitor's Center, the 81st Training Group technical training student facilities and housing, and the 403rd Reserve Wing flightline facilities.

"Keesler is the best base in the Air Force of 2013 and I can see why," said James. "It's such an honor to stand in front of all of you as the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force. There is such a great joint force story here at Keesler."

Prior to her current position, James served as President of Science Applications International Corporation's Technical and Engineering Sector, where she was responsible for 8,700 employees and more than $2 billion in revenue, said Col. Frank Amodeo, 403rd WG commander.

"A couple of years ago, before sequestration and current budget debates, we thought we would have 20 billion dollars more than we now have," said James. "So, how do we make ends meet?"

During an All Call May 30, James, who has spent most of the past five months touring bases and speaking with Airmen, detailed her stance on budget issues and her main priorities for the Air Force.

Her first priority is taking care of people.

"The 30 years I've been working in the federal government and the private sector, I've learned that it always comes down to having the right people," James said. "Technology is very important for the Air Force, but without the right people the mission suffers.

"As we go into the future we have to continue to recruit top-notch people and help them grow as leaders. And we have to make sure our people are working in an environment of respect."

Readiness is a priority that requires balance under current fiscal restraints, she explained.

While force management is a reduction in force, it is also a re-shaping, said James. The idea is to spread forces appropriately and to do it as quickly as possible, she added.

"For tomorrow's Air Force, we're all required to ensure it is an efficient and ready total force," said James. "The bottom line is that it's everyone's job to fight to preserve our nation's forces. Keesler is vital in this, training the future of the Air Force."
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