Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi kicked off a week-long Standing Watch tour at Ramstein Air Base, Dec. 17, that will include numerous stops in both the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command regions.
The senior leaders are travelling to meet with Airmen who are serving overseas during the holiday season, as well as to engage directly with key allies and partners.
"We have dedicated Airmen deployed around the world providing security and stability for our nation, as well as allies and partners," Allvin said. "Chief Flosi and I are excited to hear from them firsthand and recognize their tremendous contributions to national security."
Allvin and Flosi's tour comes as Russia continues to wage its devastating war in Ukraine and as tensions remain high in the Middle East. The Total Force Airmen they are speaking with are forward-deployed to defend vital U.S. interests and deter aggression. They are also agile and ready to respond to any crisis at a moment's notice.
"Today's global security environment is dynamic and ever-changing," Allvin said. "What does not change, however, is the commitment from our Airmen, many of whom are downrange this holiday season. As the threat environment becomes more complex, these patriots know what is at stake and I could not be more proud of the work they are accomplishing."
During their time at Ramstein AB, Allvin and Flosi held an all call to update hundreds of Airmen on the service's progress to reoptimize for Great Power Competition.
"I have been thinking and writing about doing this (reoptimization) for over 10 years," Allvin said. "Now that we are moving out, I feel more confident every day we are on the right path. The more progress we make, the clearer that is to me and anyone else who takes a deep, honest look."
The leaders also discussed the evolving character of war, stating it now favors speed and tempo, range, agility, flexibility, resilience, and precise lethality. Allvin further relayed these elements are woven into the heart of airpower and it is the Air Force's duty to the nation to be ready to bring these traits to bear in any threat environment.
When asked about the threat posed by the People's Republic of China, Allvin described it as "undeniable" and "here today." He also said the Air Force at large "must be prepared to burn down that threat." To do that, "We need more Air Force. Our nation needs more Air Force," Allvin explained.
Flosi then highlighted a key difference between the People's Republic of China and the U.S.
"When the People's Republic of China goes to the table it has nobody to talk to, but we have great friends and partners," he said. "Basically, everybody wants to talk to us."
The leaders also publicly recognized the accomplishments and impacts of Team Ramstein during the all call.
"Ramstein Airmen provide a global gateway to Europe and beyond, which is critical to worldwide operations," Allvin said. "The way this team continues to surge support across this theater and others is a testament to its high standards and professionalism."
Following their stop in Germany, Allvin and Flosi are travelling to the Middle East. This will be Allvin's first visit to the region since becoming chief of staff of the Air Force.
"Chief Flosi and I look forward to speaking with our Airmen and key partners across Air Force Central Command's area of responsibility," said Allvin. "It is the only theater in the world where we are delivering kinetic effects via airpower on a regular basis. The lessons our Airmen are learning are directly applicable across the force as we reoptimize for Great Power Competition."
Following their time in the Middle East, the two leaders will travel to Eastern Europe for a final stop to recognize Airmen and engage allies.
