An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Brown thanks Airmen, outlines priorities during Osan visit

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Serigo A. Gamboa
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea – Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) commander, held his first all call here Aug. 29 since taking command, outlining his priorities going forward.

Brown explained his dedication to collaborating across the region to strengthen our alliances, build partnerships, and collectively increase capabilities to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

 

He continued by reflecting on the important role Airmen play in PACAF's mission to provide ready air and space power and promote U.S. interests in the region.

“Airmen have to be mission ready to defend and take action at a moment’s notice. Airmen here are focused, and we have to continue to maintain that focus,” Brown said. 

Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Johnson, PACAF command chief, also visited and spoke to Team Osan, reinforcing the importance of developing Airmen, resiliency, and further emphasizing the importance of readiness. 

“You are charged with making sure our platforms and our Airmen are always ready,” said Johnson. “But we cannot do that if we don’t trust you and empower you to take care of the things we need to when it comes down to readiness.”

He also offered key advice to the NCO corps.

“At the end of the day, this is NCO business … to make sure that our force is ready to meet the intent of our commanders,” Johnson added.

The all call was part of a four-day immersion in the ROK, Aug. 26-29, where Brown also visited the U.S. Embassy, ROK Air Force Headquarters, and Korean Demilitarized Zone to include the Joint Security Area and Camp Red Cloud.

While visiting different units, Brown personally thanked Airmen and highlighted their hard work and dedication.

“You can tell he cares about Airmen and it shows the troops here he is involved,” said Tech. Sgt. Juan Martinez-Gomez, 51st Maintenance Group lowborn NCO in charge, and one of the Airman coined by Brown.

Martinez-Gomez also commented on the importance of seeing the new commander during his first month in this job, “putting a face to a name is important,” and how recognition helps provide motivation. “If you work for it and put every effort toward a goal, it gets recognized and makes others motivated,” he said. 

Brown continued to echo the significance of strong leadership and maintaining our alliance with the ROK during the change of command ceremony where Lt. Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach took command of Seventh Air Force. 

“I am confident Lt. Gen. Wilsbach will guide 7th AF and U.S. Forces Korea to build upon and maintain readiness as a backstop to the ongoing diplomatic efforts,” Brown said. “He will build enduring relationships with our ally, the Republic of Korea, and keep our forces united, vigilant, and ready to defend against any challenge.”

Brown and Johnson were accompanied by their respective spouses, Sharene and Stephanie, who visited with Airmen and families as a means to determine areas they can help raise awareness and enhance support at Osan.

Before heading back to PACAF Headquarters at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Brown traveled to Kunsan Air Base, ROK, where he previously served as the wing commander and was able to meet with Airmen and see how the mission has evolved over the last decade.

Brown is a ROTC graduate from Texas Tech University and has more than 33 years of Air Force service. He oversees an area of responsibility of 36 nations and more than 46,000 active duty, Air National Guard, Reserve and civilian personnel in PACAF, including Osan.