News

Phoenix Rally event focuses on Total Force

  • Published
  • 62nd Airlift Wing and 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Wing leadership ventured to the Air Mobility Command's fall Phoenix Rally to discuss the command's future and priorities Dec. 1-3.

Notable topics from the event for the 62nd Airlift Wing and the 446th AW included discussions on more predictability for smoother operations.

"Active Duty needs sustainability, and to make that happen as Reservists, we need predictability to fulfill mission requirements," said Col. Scott McLaughlin, 446th AW commander. "At the Rally, we discussed how to plan better, so that as Citizen Airmen, we're able to support that sustainability requirement."

For McLaughlin, this was the most inclusive, Total Force rally he's attended; and for him, that was a key element to the event's effectiveness.

Col. Leonard Kosinski, 62d AW commander, agreed that it was a first-class mobility event.

"The command chief and I appreciated the opportunity to talk with leadership teams from wings across the Total Force," said Kosinski.  "We also benefited from hearing directly from senior AMC leaders and being able to discuss important issues regarding our Airmen and mission."

From the AMC big picture perspective, Gen. Carlton Everhart, AMC commander, addressed commanders at the event, focusing on the need for innovation and wanting feedback, especially as the command works to field new airframes like the KC-46.

"I want to hear what you have to say," said Everhart to the attendees.  "This whole rally is for you. Use this time to collaborate and discuss ideas for improvement.  Come to the table with a solution-oriented mindset."

The following days were filled with key presentations highlighting Air Force initiatives. This year featured discussions on diversity and inclusion by Chevalier Cleaves; resiliency by the Headquarters Air Force chief of chaplains, Maj. Gen. Dondi Costin; and a teleconference with Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force Gen. David Goldfein.

Additional presentations covered issues related to operations, manpower and personnel, training, inspection and readiness, Airmen development, and quality of life initiatives.

On the last day, Everhart recognized nine Mobility Air Force outstanding performances by units, teams, and individuals in the area of aviation fuel efficiency.

(Editor's Note: Some information in this article was provided by an Air Mobility Command Public Affairs article.)