General visits training detachments

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Connor Estes
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, ENGLAND --  Brig. Gen. Darryl W. Burke, 82nd Training Wing commander, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, paid Airmen from the 372nd and 373rd Training Squadrons a visit Nov. 10, to review operations and personally see his detachments.

"Everyone here is very busy, but taking the time to let me see the operations here gave me a better picture of what's going on in the field," Burke said. "Training is the back bone to everything we do."

The general toured the 372nd TRS Detachment 16 on RAF Lakenheath and was briefed by flight control, canopy, avionics and engine instructors. For the Airmen it was an opportunity to highlight their importance to the Liberty mission.

"We train more than 2,000 Liberty Wing aircraft maintainers," said Capt. Scott Baker, 372nd TRS Detachment 16 commander. "Our instructors are teaching in the classrooms, or out on the flightline and backshops helping train maintainers daily to get the job done."

While touring the general went to the classrooms and interacted with instructors and students.

"It's really motivating to have a one star general come all this way to see us and interested in what we do, because most people don't know we even exist," said Staff Sgt. Krista Hammond, 372nd TRS Detachment 16 propulsion instructor. "The general wanted to hear about any concerns we had and ask what he could do to help."

He also had the opportunity to visit with 373rd TRS, Detachment 319 on RAF Mildenhall.

"Our wing is located at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas and the only way we communicate with them is through emails and phone calls," said Master Sgt. Jason Noble, 373rd TRS Detachment 19 chief. "It's nice to see General Burke wanting to see his detachment and Airmen face to face."

To the servicemembers and their families at RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall, the general closed by saying he appreciates their hard work and looks forward to more visits.

"Although the focus has been on fighting and winning the war on terrorism," said Burke. "I know the best way to keep the force strong is to continue to take care of Airmen and their families."