Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi continued their Standing Watch trip, visiting numerous locations within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to speak with Airmen and key partners Dec. 17-19.
At each location they visited, Allvin and Flosi highlighted the strategic importance of the region and how Airmen are contributing to national security during numerous all calls.
"Make no mistake, Great Power Competition is not limited to the Indo-Pacific region," Allvin said. "The Air Force Central Command area of responsibility is complex and volatile with both the People's Republic of China and Russia seeking influence and access through malign actions. You also have Iran undermining stability throughout the region by supporting terrorist groups and military proxies. Thankfully, as recent events demonstrate, our Airmen are ready to rapidly transition to major combat operations if deterrence fails."
The senior leaders also expressed their appreciation to the Airmen they met.
"Alongside our allies and partners in the region, you are doing very important work on behalf of our country," Flosi said, during a standing-room only session with several hundred Airmen. "What you are doing is vital and I am grateful for your efforts, as is my family and our entire nation…Never forget why you are here and trust me, our adversaries are taking notice."
Allvin also expressed his gratitude while recognizing how Total Force Airmen across the region are impacting not only current operations, but also the future of airpower.
"Air Force Central Command Airmen are on the cutting edge of operations, with some risking their own lives as they shape how we will fight in a modern, contested environment alongside coalition partners," he said. "Case in point, since Oct. 7, 2023, Airmen deployed to this area of responsibility have earned three Silver Stars, 52 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and one Bronze Star Medal with Valor device. Those numbers tell you all you need to know about the skill and fortitude of our American Airmen who are poised to unleash hell wherever, whenever."
Flosi agreed, telling Airmen, "People are going to be talking about what happened in this theater over the last few weeks for years to come."
In addition to engaging with Airmen, the senior leaders met with several key leaders throughout their time in the region. Specifically, Allvin spoke with Brig. Gen. Mohammad Hiyasat, commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force.
"I am grateful for the steadfast and robust partnership we share with the Royal Jordanian Air Force," Allvin said. "Jordan is a pillar of regional stability, and our close cooperation has long been crucial to addressing shared security challenges."
He also spoke with Maj. Gen. Mohammad Al-Dosari, the Qatar Emiri Air Force commander.
"We deeply appreciate Qatar's continued support and partnership, which remains essential to regional security," the general stated. "As belligerents in the region continue to sow insecurity and terror, it is imperative we continue to build trust, pursue shared awareness and advance information sharing with all our partners in this region."
Allvin spoke firsthand with Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Nasser al-Alawi, the commander of the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defense, as well.
"The UAE's recent designation as a Major Defense Partner reflects our deepening relationship and we look forward to enhanced cooperation in support of regional stability," Allvin said.
In addition, Flosi met with his Jordanian counterpart, Chief Warrant Officer Wajdi Alzubi, and his Emirati counterpart, Chief Master Sgt. Mohammad Ali Alzaabi.
During each key leader engagements, Allvin and Flosi reaffirmed ongoing security cooperation efforts and discussed the importance of stability in the Middle East.
The senior leaders departed the region late on Dec. 19, traveling to Eastern Europe for a final stop on their Standing Watch tour.
