Command chief takes closer look at Pacific Air Commandos Published March 2, 2007 By Master Sgt Marilyn Holliday 353rd Special Operations Group Public Affairs KADENA AB, Japan -- For an up-close look at what the Pacific Air Commandos are accomplishing, the command chief for Air Force Special Operations Command traveled to Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 11-20. Chief Master Sgt. Michael P. Gilbert, AFSOC command chief, visited the 353rd Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and saw for himself how the group's engaged in the global war on terror. "It is truly awe-inspiring to see the work of the men and women across the theater and especially Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines," Chief Gilbert said. "These are dynamic times and I want to ensure that at AFSOC we're providing the support our Airmen need and I want to help alleviate concerns and keep Airmen up-to-date on the latest issues." The chief was the guest speaker for the Kadena Chiefs' Induction ceremony and he also toured the 353rd Operations Support Squadron, 353rd Maintenance Squadron, 320th Special Tactics Squadron, 1st Special Operations Squadron and the 17th Special Operations Squadron before traveling downrange to the Philippines to visit with deployed SOG Airmen. "Everyone is focused on getting the job done," he said. "Naturally, the ops tempo has changed since I was stationed here in 1995. The group is not only engaged in real world operations, but necessary training in the Pacific. The SOG is running at full speed and doing great things." The chief was stationed at Torii Station in Okinawa from 1992-1995 as the NCO in charge for the 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group Special Operations Weather Team. He entered the Air Force in March 1981 and said that today's Airmen are different than when he joined. "The quality of our Airmen is phenomenal," he said. "They're all hard working, healthy and interested in learning. Those that entered after Sept. 11, know why they joined and they're focused on the mission of taking the fight to the enemy. "At the end of the day, AFSOC Airmen are going to do whatever it takes; whatever they can do to get the mission accomplished," he said. "We know what our mission is and we're just going to get it done to the best of our abilities. If you give us what we need, great. If you give us half of what we need, we'll still get it done - one way or another." The chief said that AFSOC faces actions such as "standing up" a new base, launching new aircrafts and reorganizing the deployment process in the upcoming year. "Members of 18th Wing of Team Kadena and the 353rd Special Operations Group are truly making it happen," the chief said. "There are many generations of Airmen that have come before us and were justifiably proud to wear the uniform. But, I don't think any generation could be as proud as we ought to be as Airmen today. "You don't hear much about our successes, but, the fact is we're having successes every single night," he said. "We are quiet professionals. Our Airmen are definitely 'in the fight' and looking terrorists in the eye and killing them." The chief also visited members of the command at Fort Lewis, Wash.; Kirtland AFB, N.M.; McChord AFB, Wash.; Cannon AFB, N.M.; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Mildenhall AB, U.K.; and the areas of responsibility twice since accepting the command chief position in August 2006. The chief's visit comes on the heels of the recent announcement of the Outstanding Unit Award with Valor decoration awarded to the 353rd SOG for exceptionally meritorious service from Sept. 2, 2004 to Sept. 1, 2006.