354th Air Force Gala Ball Address

Thank you very much for inviting me to be here tonight. I am honored to be speaking before such a distinguished group of American patriots; Airmen who understand service to our nation is a commitment to freedom. General Grapper, thanks for the invitation.

September 18, 1947, the birth of the United States Air Force. Tonight, 62 years later, we celebrate the Anniversary of our nation’s youngest service. But what a wild ride it has been.

From a service that had just accomplished victory in both the Pacific and Europe as a component of the US Army, to an independent aerospace organization that is unmatched in the world. In fact, there have been no successful challenges to United States air supremacy in decades. Our enemy knows there is no reason to challenge the USAF.

But times are changing and there are clear threats on the horizon to United States command of air and space. We must not rest on our laurels. For a number of years, we have heard that this is the Age of The Pacific. One could argue that that statement is more accurate today than at any time since World War II. So it is imperative that the United States position sufficient forces in the region to transmit the message that American Pacific interests remain high.

Russia is reasserting its interest in air power, including the Arctic. Fact is, there have been over 76 Russian aircraft intercepts along the coast of Alaska in the past six years, making this one of the periods with the highest OPSTEMPO since the height of the Cold War.

And Russia has announced their determination to increase aircraft manufacturing and flight activities world wide. Their military will acquire 48 Su-35S fighter aircraft from 2010-15. Along with the likely improvements to the air force’s air-to-air missile inventory, the Su-35S weapons procurement will also include a “new weapon capable of precision strike against ground targets outside of surface-to-air missile engagement zones,” And the Su-35S will operate with the air force’s fifth-generation fighter when it eventually enters service. This is not just a theoretical discussion for leaders in the Pentagon, it is the reality of our future.

And China is aggressively developing an advanced fleet of aircraft capable of asserting air dominance where Chinese interests may reside. While it may appear that Chinese interests are wholly in the Pacific, China has a rapidly developing commercial market and is modernizing at a rapid rate, which may eventually require resources from beyond the region. One should not rest with the comfort that today the Chinese military is not a serious threat to United States interests.

So, the future remains a complicated web of national interaction across the Pacific, and the United State Air Force must be positioned to rapidly and forcefully respond, when needed, to protect US interests. The actions of the Air Force to bolster operations at Anderson AFB are essential. Guam offers tremendous proximity to Asia. But Alaska also offers excellent proximity to Asia, and Eielson AFB is a geographic point where American forces can effectively operate, as a forward deployed operation, while on United States soil.

Which brings us back to Eielson AFB. The 354th is doing an outstanding job hosting Red Flag Alaska. The Aggressor operations here provide an effective training force for both US and foreign forces to obtain realistic training. And training in the 67,000 square mile Pacific Alaska Range Complex (PARC) is unmatched.

And assignment of the 168th Air Refueling Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, makes Eielson AFB a model installation of active duty and Guard cooperation. I want to personally commend both General Grapper and Col Wenke for the outstanding example you both demonstrate to our Air Force and Air National Guard peers who sometimes struggle to get their active duty and Guard teams to work together in such a positive manner from a single base. You set the best example in the Air Force and your leadership understanding of how our future Air Force must be structured is appreciated.

With that said, the Air Force must continue looking for ways to enhance operations at Eielson AFB. Assignment of a warfighting mission to Eielson AFB is essential, as the Air Force seeks to ensure adequate resources are available in close enough proximity to Asia to protect US interests and assure our allies of our full commitment to the Pacific. Eielson must be an early recipient of the F-35, not as a trainer or aggressor, but as a weapon. And the KC-135’s here must be replaced with the new KC-X, early in the acquisition process, if we ever get to that point, in order to ensure the reach capability across the North Pacific is sustained.

Well, I have gone on long enough. You can see that I have a passion for air power and am very proud to have served in both the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard over my 35 year career. So I will close by reminding you that you live and work in one of the most military friendly communities in America. Fairbanks, North Pole and the entire North Star Borough truly appreciate the sacrifices made by our military members and their families. The community reaches out to support airmen, soldiers, and their families during deployments and in times of need.

Let me end by quoting from the 62nd Birthday letter sent out by Secretary Donley and General Schwartz: “We are proud of all the Air Force has accomplished, and prouder still of today’s Airmen who have answered their nations call. You embody Integrity, Service, and Excellence, and we are proud to serve alongside you. You are a living tribute to our Airmen battles past, and an inspiration for Airmen yet to come.”

As Alaska’s new Lieutenant Governor, I am honored to have had this opportunity to be with you tonight. On behalf of Governor Sean Parnell and myself, we wish you all the best, Happy Birthday, and God’s Speed.