19th Air Force Commander visits Vance

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  • By 71st Flying Training Wing
  • Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 19th Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Gregory Feest, visited Vance June 15 and 16 to assess the labor dispute's impact on mission and morale.

The expiration of collective bargaining agreement between CSC Applied Technologies, and its three sub-contractors -- PRI/DJI, DenMar, and M1 Support Service -- and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 898, led to a strike that began June 8.

Upon arriving the evening of June 15, the general first met with the base's Security Forces augmentees - Airmen from other units on base who augment base Security Forces personnel during increased mission requirements.

The general then visited the base fire department, currently staffed by 31 active duty personnel from Altus AFB, Okla., Columbus AFB, Miss., Luke AFB, Ariz., Randolph AFB, Texas and Tyndall AFB, Fla.

"I recognize how much these Airmen are doing to support the base," said General Feest. "Every one of them is a prime example of service before self."

On June 16 the general met with the base's Quality Assurance Evaluators at the Professional Development Center here. The meeting was followed by a flightline tour to evaluate the status of the aircraft and facilities. He then met with the dormitory manager, chief master sergeants and first sergeants to discuss the impact of the labor dispute on Airmen and their families.

The 71st Flying Training Wing commander's action team was convened June 16 to update the general on various situations around the base.

During his visit General Feest also held a commander's call with Vance's student pilots. The general met with the students in the Base Auditorium to discuss the 19th AF's involvement with base leadership in making sure the mission is accomplished and to address their concerns and potential impact on their training.

"It was encouraging to see that those at Vance are still enthusiastic despite the current situation," the general said. "They are doing everything they can to keep themselves and the facilities prepared for when the mission is able to resume."