18th Air Force Commander shares leadership perspectives with MacDill Airmen

by Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro and Airman 1st Class Schultz
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

3/19/2014 - MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.  -- Team MacDill Airmen were treated to senior leader perspectives on leadership, communication, and the challenges facing the Air Force firsthand during a March 10-12 visit by Lt. Gen. Darren McDew, 18th Air Force commander.

McDew met with officials of United States Central Command, Special Operations Command, and 6th Air Mobility Wing Airmen and families. He also took time during the visit to hear Airmen's concerns and share his thoughts on a variety of key topics during a base-wide "all call."

McDew stressed the value of empowerment, communication, and job proficiency, noting their importance to ensuring a strong Air Force.

"Many leaders are afraid to step in front of their Airmen when they don't have all of the answers, but many times just getting in front of them and saying things are going to be okay will keep the Air Force as strong tomorrow as it is today," said McDew.

When asked about major obstacles throughout his career, McDew said, "I have faced nothing more than many Airmen have faced; I've had supervisors who challenged me and gave me tools to be better than I thought I could be."

In closing, McDew thanked Airmen for their service to the Nation, noting that they were well suited to help the Air Force succeed despite the multitude of challenges it faces.

"This is the best Air Force there has ever been; we have smart, talented, war-hardened veterans. Our Air Force is going to be great for years and years, and decades to come," he said.