Kaiserslautern American, July 15, 2016

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HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?

July 15, 2016

Volume 40, number 28

SECAF visits Lajes By Ricky Baptista 65th Air Base Group Public Affairs Office LAJES FIELD, Azores – Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James experienced Lajes “In the Fight” capabilities first hand during her visit to Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, July 11, 2016. Lajes was the first stop for the Secretary on her 10-day trip of Europe and the Baltics. She will be traveling to eight countries including Ukraine, the Netherlands and Iceland. The overarching theme of the Secretary’s trip is to meet with partner nations to discuss mutual cooperation in combating common threats. “I have divided my time between two responsibilities, one, the Washington D.C. scene focused on budget and policy matters, and two, outside of Washington D.C. where I get to go out in the country and around

the world and see the real Air Force, the front line Air Force in action and almost always in cooperation with our partners around the world,” she said. During a standing room only Lajes “All-Call,” conducted at the Top of the Rock Commons, James described the experience of her visit. “I am extremely impressed with the mission, I am extremely impressed with all of the people, you are hitting it out of the ball park in every single way and you have been doing this despite what has been a lot of turbulence,” said James. This was James’ first visit to the installation where she spent a day touring several units, taking the opportunity to meet with commanders, superintendents, local nationals and Airmen of the 65th Air Base Group. “I am convinced that Lajes is today and will remain an important location for us as well as for our NATO allies,” she said.

Photo by Senior Airman Ryan Mathews

Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James is greeted by Lt. Col. Robert Lee, 65th Operations Support Squadron commander, July 11, 2016, at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal. James is the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force and was appointed to the position Dec. 20, 2013. She is responsible for the affairs of the Department of the Air Force, including organizing, training, equipping and providing for the welfare for its Guard, Reserve, and civilian Airmen and their families.

Goldfein swears in as 21st CSAF By Staff Sgt. Alyssa C. Gibson Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Command Information

NEWS

Regardless of the temperature, be sure to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen even on overcast days.

COMMENTARY

Tip of the Week

Dual-citizen Kingfish wins two golds, Page 2

See GOLDFEIN, Page 2

LIFESTYLES

Photo by Andy Morataya

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James reads the oath of office to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein as his wife, Dawn, holds the chief of staff Bible during a swearing-in ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., July 1, 2016. Goldfein became the 21st chief of staff of the Air Force.

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — Gen. David L. Goldfein was sworn in as the Air Force’s 21st chief of staff by Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James during a ceremony at the Pentagon on July 1. As the Air Force’s most senior uniformed leader, Goldfein is responsible for ensuring the 660,000 activeduty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen under his command are fully trained and equipped. He also joins the Joint Chiefs of Staff as an adviser to the secretary of defense, National Security Council and the president of the United States.

“The Air Force is going to be relying on your determination, General Goldfein, to improve readiness, to improve our modernization, and most importantly — always at the top of the list — taking care of our Airmen,” James said. “It is a huge responsibility, it’s also an honor, and it’s also a great privilege, and I have every confidence that you are going to take our Air Force to new heights.” One of Goldfein’s first acts as chief of staff was to make a pledge to his Airmen. “(This is) my commitment to you — to work every day to give you everything I’ve got, to leave nothing on the table, to remain laser-focused

AFOSI 5th FIR welcomes new commander, Page 3

Lake fest around Ohmbachsee, Pages 14-15


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