MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The 908th Airlift Wing hosted the 22nd Air Force command team of Maj. Gen. Craig La Fave and Chief Master Sgt. Imelda Johnson during the wing’s March Unit Training Assembly at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
La Fave arrived Friday, joining the 357th Airlift Squadron for a flight and then meeting with unit leaders at the wing’s pre-UTA staff meeting.
Saturday morning started out fast and early, as La Fave and Col. Ken Ostrat, commander of the 908th participated in a mock physical fitness test with the wing’s development and training flight, where La Fave scored an excellent rating.
La Fave and Johnson also met with local civic leaders, most of whom are 908th and 42nd Air Base Wing Honorary Commanders who were taking part in a C-130 orientation flight.
The command team then took some time to discuss future deployments and aircraft status with members of the 908th Operation Group.
Next on the agenda was a tour of the 908th Maintenance Group’s facilities including the ISO Dock and Half Bay hangars. After having discussions with Airmen from the MXG, the team moved over for some demonstrations at the prop shop and Non-Destructive Inspection sections, where wing members have been leading the way in finding and fixing deficiencies.
La Fave had lunch with the Company Grade Officers Council, while Johnson met with leaders of the various enlisted organizations.
Next up was a stop by the firing range where the team was able to witness the 908th Security Forces Squadron’s Combat Arms Training and Maintenance team members in action providing instruction to other wing members.
The last stop for Saturday was the 908th Logistics Readiness Squadron where it was demonstrated how the Reserve wing works hand in hand with our partners in the 42nd, ensuring every Airman has all the proper equipment to deploy.
The last day of the trip started out with the 22nd and 908th command teams serving breakfast at the Dining Facility before eating with a small group of Airmen.
From breakfast the team met up with the 908th Aeromedical Staging Squadron to see how they work like the LRS, sharing a facility and equipment with active duty Airmen.
Saving the best for last, next up was a mass enlistment ceremony for 62 recruits on the flight line in front of a C-130 Hercules aircraft.
As La Fave prepared to depart he said, “I’m extremely excited to be finishing up a great visit to a great wing, the 908th Airlift Wing. We got to visit different areas and talk to a bunch of Airmen who are doing great work for the Air Force and our nation. We feel pretty good about Team Maxwell, the 908th and your partners in the 42nd Air Base Wing. It has been a pleasure spending time and breaking bread with you, talking to your young officers and enlisted folks, and seeing all your preparations for deployments. It’s been a good weekend.”