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JBSA News
NEWS | May 29, 2021

19th Air Force commander visits Alamo Wing

By Senior Airman Brittany Wich 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The leadership of the 19th Air Force -- Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, commander, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Kristina Rogers -- visited the 433rd Airlift Wing and the 733rd Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland May 21. 

The tour began with a mission brief from Col. Terry McClain, 433rd AW commander, followed by Wills’ brief on the pilot training transformation initiative.

“The main point is that we need to continue to improve our training systems and tools to prepare our Airmen for the 21st-century fight,” Wills said. “The pilot training system hasn’t changed in decades and we’re long overdue for a fresh look.  We have the world’s best Airmen and we owe them the world’s best training.”

Wills’ visit allowed 733rd TRS Citizen Airmen to provide feedback about the initiative and ideas on how to train C-5M Super Galaxy pilots under the updated program. Lt. Col. Brandi King, 733rd TRS director of operations, led an additional briefing on the C-5M pilot training breakdown.    

“He came to learn about our mission, to discuss ways that we can work together to produce a very competent and confident C-5 pilot at the end of our formal training,” King said.

Maj. Paul Lentz, 733rd TRS assistant director of operations, said it was an important opportunity to gain knowledge on previous shortcomings and learn alternative ideas for future growth.    

“He came down and he offered ideas,” said Maj. Paul Lentz, 733rd TRS assistant director of operations. “He offered partnerships and, if anything, just advice from somebody down the street who’s done this before, and that was more than I could really ask for.”

The visit also included a C-5M tour and a flight simulation experience.

“Chief Rogers and I really enjoyed our visit,” Wills said. “The Airmen of the 433rd are clearly a motivated and professional team. It’s always great to be surrounded by fired-up Airmen!”