Top Air Force leaders meet with Airmen at Altus AFB

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe visited Altus Air Force Base on April 16 for a firsthand look at the 97th Air Mobility Wing’s training mission and its role in “Mobility’s Hometown.” Accompanied by their spouses, Mrs. Cindy Wilsbach and Dr. Doniel Wolfe, the service’s top leaders reviewed how the wing supports Air Force priorities under the vision “Victory Begins Here.”

“It all starts right here at Altus Air Force Base, where you train mobility air crews,” said Wilsbach. “Nothing happens without the aircraft here and the maintainers who fix these aircraft. Not a single jet would get to the fight, and they certainly won’t be successful without the logistics and air mobility assets behind them.”

The visit included a mission brief detailing Altus’ contributions to the operational force, including support to large-scale global efforts such as Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury. “The awesome things we do at this wing are a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our Airmen,” said Col. Richard Kind, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander. “Their commitment ensures we can deliver unrivaled air mobility capabilities anytime, anywhere.”

On the flightline, Wilsbach and Wolfe spoke with Airmen from multiple career fields and spent time with crews and maintainers around the C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker, underscoring the base’s role in generating combat-ready mobility forces.

They also led an all call that drew roughly 1,020 Airmen, civilians, contractors and family members, using the forum to address questions and discuss current challenges and opportunities across the force. “The work we do here is important, because when the nation asks us to do extremely difficult things we must be ready to deliver,” said Wilsbach. “We prepare by doing hard things together, and ensuring we are physically fit, mentally sharp, and spiritually ready.”

Wolfe, drawing on his background in professional military education, met with Airman Leadership School and Foundations instructors, as well as Airman Dorm Leaders, to discuss standards, innovation and technical excellence. “Innovation is about trust,” said Wolfe. “When your leadership sees you’re consistently nailing the basics, you’re on time, you’re professional, you’re an expert in your craft; that builds the confidence that opens the doors for you to be able to bring those great ideas to work.”

While at Altus, Mrs. Cindy Wilsbach and Dr. Doniel Wolfe engaged with installation leaders, support liaisons and community partners on quality-of-life issues including childcare, spouse employment, medical access and housing. They toured the recently renovated Child Development Center and reviewed base programs designed to support military families.

Altus AFB’s team of Active Duty, Reserve, Guard and civilian Airmen highlighted how each element contributes to generating airpower for the Joint force. The visit concluded with Wilsbach, a command pilot with more than 6,200 flying hours across multiple aircraft, piloting a KC-46A Pegasus from Altus AFB to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.