1 00:00:01,806 --> 00:00:05,973 (dramatic orchestral music music) 2 00:00:15,870 --> 00:00:18,740 - Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of General Mike Holmes, 3 00:00:18,740 --> 00:00:20,650 commander Air Combat Command, 4 00:00:20,650 --> 00:00:23,330 welcome to today's historic ceremony. 5 00:00:23,330 --> 00:00:25,360 Today, you will witness the inactivation 6 00:00:25,360 --> 00:00:27,260 of headquarters 9th Air Force, 7 00:00:27,260 --> 00:00:29,780 the activation of headquarters 15th Air Force 8 00:00:29,780 --> 00:00:31,470 and the re-designation of United States 9 00:00:31,470 --> 00:00:34,970 Air Force's Central Command to headquarters 9th Air Force, 10 00:00:34,970 --> 00:00:35,923 Air Forces Central. 11 00:00:36,980 --> 00:00:39,750 15th Air Force was established in the Mediterranean theater 12 00:00:39,750 --> 00:00:43,880 in 1943 as a strategic air force during World War II. 13 00:00:43,880 --> 00:00:46,010 Ironically, it drew its operational units 14 00:00:46,010 --> 00:00:48,560 from the existing 9th and 12th Air Forces, 15 00:00:48,560 --> 00:00:50,720 much like we are doing here today. 16 00:00:50,720 --> 00:00:52,500 The first commander was none other 17 00:00:52,500 --> 00:00:54,607 than Major General James H. Doolittle 18 00:00:54,607 --> 00:00:57,280 and the unit began operations immediately, 19 00:00:57,280 --> 00:00:59,040 making undeniable contributions 20 00:00:59,040 --> 00:01:01,260 to the end of the Third Reich. 21 00:01:01,260 --> 00:01:03,216 Throughout its history, 15th Air Force 22 00:01:03,216 --> 00:01:06,370 owned a piece of nearly every Air Force mission set 23 00:01:06,370 --> 00:01:09,440 to include fighter, bomber, reconnaissance 24 00:01:09,440 --> 00:01:12,209 and strategic missile force operations. 25 00:01:12,209 --> 00:01:14,350 In the years following the Vietnam War, 26 00:01:14,350 --> 00:01:16,550 the 15th became one of Strategic Air Command's 27 00:01:16,550 --> 00:01:18,670 primary numbered Air Forces. 28 00:01:18,670 --> 00:01:21,740 Before its transfer to air mobility command in 1992, 29 00:01:21,740 --> 00:01:23,920 where it assumed responsibility of airlift 30 00:01:23,920 --> 00:01:25,970 and air refueling missions. 31 00:01:25,970 --> 00:01:28,530 Beginning in 2003, 15th Air Force 32 00:01:28,530 --> 00:01:30,770 served as an expeditionary task force, 33 00:01:30,770 --> 00:01:32,530 conducting air mobility operations 34 00:01:32,530 --> 00:01:34,890 in support of worldwide contingencies, 35 00:01:34,890 --> 00:01:37,520 humanitarian operations and exercises 36 00:01:37,520 --> 00:01:40,110 before re designating back to 15th Air Force 37 00:01:40,110 --> 00:01:43,260 upon its inactivation in 2012. 38 00:01:43,260 --> 00:01:46,260 Today, 15th Air Force will be activated 39 00:01:46,260 --> 00:01:48,010 at Shaw Air Force Base and will serve 40 00:01:48,010 --> 00:01:51,570 as the Air Force's largest conventional numbered Air Force. 41 00:01:51,570 --> 00:01:53,790 The 15th Air Force mission is to train airmen 42 00:01:53,790 --> 00:01:56,360 to deliver combat air power worldwide 43 00:01:56,360 --> 00:01:59,000 and provide a light, lean and agile Air Force 44 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:01,403 joint or combined taskforce headquarters. 45 00:02:02,330 --> 00:02:03,290 Ladies and gentlemen, 46 00:02:03,290 --> 00:02:07,610 the Commander, Air Combat Command, General Mike Holmes. 47 00:02:07,610 --> 00:02:08,740 - Good morning. 48 00:02:08,740 --> 00:02:11,520 Thank you for joining us on this historic day. 49 00:02:11,520 --> 00:02:14,530 I'm extremely pleased to be here with you. 50 00:02:14,530 --> 00:02:16,481 I wish that we could get together in person 51 00:02:16,481 --> 00:02:18,540 but I'm grateful for the technology 52 00:02:18,540 --> 00:02:21,850 that allows us to honor our traditions in new ways. 53 00:02:21,850 --> 00:02:25,020 Today, we're implementing organizational changes 54 00:02:25,020 --> 00:02:27,940 that will make Air Combat Command better 55 00:02:27,940 --> 00:02:30,050 and a lot of time, thought and effort 56 00:02:30,050 --> 00:02:32,560 has gone into making today possible. 57 00:02:32,560 --> 00:02:35,053 And it's great to see these ideas become real. 58 00:02:36,260 --> 00:02:38,430 Optimizing the way Air Combat Command 59 00:02:38,430 --> 00:02:40,970 organizes, trains and equips our forces 60 00:02:40,970 --> 00:02:43,700 to remain in-step with the national defense strategy 61 00:02:43,700 --> 00:02:46,210 has been a multi-step process. 62 00:02:46,210 --> 00:02:48,790 The first step, back in October, 63 00:02:48,790 --> 00:02:51,350 was to activate the 16th Air Force, 64 00:02:51,350 --> 00:02:52,850 creating our comprehensive, 65 00:02:52,850 --> 00:02:56,040 dedicated information warfare NAF. 66 00:02:56,040 --> 00:02:57,690 I'm proud to say that they reached 67 00:02:57,690 --> 00:03:01,210 full operational capability just last month. 68 00:03:01,210 --> 00:03:03,380 At the same time, 9th Air Force 69 00:03:03,380 --> 00:03:05,540 was working to build and grow the backbone 70 00:03:05,540 --> 00:03:08,380 of an Air Force joint task force capability. 71 00:03:08,380 --> 00:03:12,970 And that JTF has also reached full operational capability 72 00:03:12,970 --> 00:03:15,530 and then headquarters Air Force and Air Combat Command 73 00:03:15,530 --> 00:03:17,530 were working on a new force generation 74 00:03:17,530 --> 00:03:19,990 and force presentation construct. 75 00:03:19,990 --> 00:03:24,305 Together, these actions drove the need for two more steps. 76 00:03:24,305 --> 00:03:26,920 The first, we'll take our conventional wings 77 00:03:26,920 --> 00:03:29,340 to consolidate them under one commander, 78 00:03:29,340 --> 00:03:32,900 Major General Chad Franks, as 15th Air Force. 79 00:03:32,900 --> 00:03:35,700 This consolidation will streamline force generation 80 00:03:35,700 --> 00:03:38,360 and presentation of our conventional forces 81 00:03:38,360 --> 00:03:41,030 and ensure decisive, streamlined execution 82 00:03:41,030 --> 00:03:42,800 when their tasked. 83 00:03:42,800 --> 00:03:45,140 And we're excited to welcome the wings and units 84 00:03:45,140 --> 00:03:48,820 from both 9th and 12th Air Forces to 15th Air Force. 85 00:03:48,820 --> 00:03:50,870 I know that you will write your own chapters 86 00:03:50,870 --> 00:03:54,310 in the continuing history of 15th Air Force. 87 00:03:54,310 --> 00:03:56,430 As 15th Air Force takes on the wings 88 00:03:56,430 --> 00:03:59,700 that were previously under 12th Air Force AFSOUTH, 89 00:03:59,700 --> 00:04:02,260 12th Air Force will gain the expanded bandwidth 90 00:04:02,260 --> 00:04:04,450 required to better focus on their mission 91 00:04:04,450 --> 00:04:07,380 as air component to US Southern Command. 92 00:04:07,380 --> 00:04:09,480 The national defense strategy directs us 93 00:04:09,480 --> 00:04:12,930 to focus on global competition with peer adversaries, 94 00:04:12,930 --> 00:04:15,780 counter rogue states and continue activities 95 00:04:15,780 --> 00:04:18,300 designed to defeat violent extremists. 96 00:04:18,300 --> 00:04:21,100 All those threats are present in US SOUTHCOM 97 00:04:21,100 --> 00:04:22,940 and 12th Air Force AFSOUTH 98 00:04:22,940 --> 00:04:26,120 will provide increasingly valuable tools. 99 00:04:26,120 --> 00:04:29,170 I hope that you all are as excited about this as I am 100 00:04:29,170 --> 00:04:31,970 and excited about your future under major General Franks 101 00:04:31,970 --> 00:04:33,590 and 15th Air Force. 102 00:04:33,590 --> 00:04:37,270 Major General Franks, you have my full trust and confidence 103 00:04:37,270 --> 00:04:38,810 and this consolidated force 104 00:04:38,810 --> 00:04:40,840 will flourish with your leadership. 105 00:04:40,840 --> 00:04:43,450 Today, we are also re-designating AFCENT 106 00:04:43,450 --> 00:04:46,440 as 9th Air Force, Air Forces Central. 107 00:04:46,440 --> 00:04:49,530 It's always worthwhile to remember where we came from, 108 00:04:49,530 --> 00:04:52,060 to honor the airman that came before us 109 00:04:52,060 --> 00:04:54,650 and I'm proud to reactivate 9th Air Force 110 00:04:54,650 --> 00:04:57,070 and to reunite the legacy of 9th Air Force 111 00:04:57,070 --> 00:04:58,910 with Air Forces Central. 112 00:04:58,910 --> 00:05:01,690 Lieutenant General Guillot, I know that you are ready 113 00:05:01,690 --> 00:05:03,870 to add to that legacy and make your mark 114 00:05:03,870 --> 00:05:06,263 on 9th Air Force's decorated history. 115 00:05:07,850 --> 00:05:11,010 Air Combat Command is dedicated to implementing the tenants 116 00:05:11,010 --> 00:05:13,160 of the national security strategy 117 00:05:13,160 --> 00:05:14,880 and these organizational movements 118 00:05:14,880 --> 00:05:17,080 will help us generate and present forces 119 00:05:17,080 --> 00:05:20,240 in protection of the people of our United States. 120 00:05:20,240 --> 00:05:22,290 To the men and women of 12th Air Force, 121 00:05:22,290 --> 00:05:26,290 Air Forces South, 15th Air Force and 9th Air Force, 122 00:05:26,290 --> 00:05:29,850 Air Forces Central, thank you for your unwavering commitment 123 00:05:29,850 --> 00:05:31,820 to the defense of our country. 124 00:05:31,820 --> 00:05:34,480 You have the full support of Air Combat Command, 125 00:05:34,480 --> 00:05:37,980 my full confidence in your capabilities and dedication 126 00:05:37,980 --> 00:05:40,230 and the gratitude of the United States Air Force 127 00:05:40,230 --> 00:05:43,360 for the work that you have done and will continue to do. 128 00:05:43,360 --> 00:05:44,853 Thank you, Godspeed. 129 00:05:46,080 --> 00:05:47,820 - Thank you. General Holmes. 130 00:05:47,820 --> 00:05:49,720 Ladies and gentlemen, you will now witness 131 00:05:49,720 --> 00:05:51,520 the 9th Air Force inactivation 132 00:05:51,520 --> 00:05:54,713 and 15th Air Force activation portion of the ceremony. 133 00:05:56,050 --> 00:05:57,550 - Publish the order. 134 00:05:57,550 --> 00:06:00,640 - According to special order number GB101 135 00:06:00,640 --> 00:06:04,120 dated 20 August, 2020 headquarters 9th Air Force 136 00:06:04,120 --> 00:06:07,910 is inactivated and headquarters 15th Air Force is activated 137 00:06:07,910 --> 00:06:09,940 by order of General James M. Holmes, 138 00:06:09,940 --> 00:06:12,150 Commander Air Combat Command. 139 00:06:12,150 --> 00:06:13,563 - Sir, I relinquish command. 140 00:06:17,350 --> 00:06:19,600 - At this time, the 9th Air Force flag 141 00:06:19,600 --> 00:06:22,790 as signified by the Roman numerals, IX 142 00:06:22,790 --> 00:06:24,350 will be furled and cased, 143 00:06:24,350 --> 00:06:26,900 signifying the inactivation of the command. 144 00:06:28,008 --> 00:06:32,508 (dramatic orchestral music continues) 145 00:06:46,480 --> 00:06:49,450 The 15th Air Force flag will be uncased and unfurled 146 00:06:49,450 --> 00:06:51,473 formally re-designating the command. 147 00:06:52,523 --> 00:06:57,023 (dramatic orchestral music continues) 148 00:07:04,200 --> 00:07:05,473 - Sir, I assume command. 149 00:07:11,640 --> 00:07:14,480 - Ladies and gentlemen, the commander 15th Air Force, 150 00:07:14,480 --> 00:07:17,040 Major General Chad P. Franks. 151 00:07:17,040 --> 00:07:20,020 - Welcome what a great day for 15th Air Force. 152 00:07:20,020 --> 00:07:22,680 I'd like to extend a special thanks to the former commanders 153 00:07:22,680 --> 00:07:27,520 of the 9th, 12th and 15th Air Forces joining us today. 154 00:07:27,520 --> 00:07:29,610 General Holmes, I wanna thank you 155 00:07:29,610 --> 00:07:31,980 for your vision for 15th Air Force. 156 00:07:31,980 --> 00:07:33,427 You had the foresight to merge the 12th 157 00:07:33,427 --> 00:07:35,140 and 9th Air Force wings into one 158 00:07:35,140 --> 00:07:36,360 conventional numbered Air Force 159 00:07:36,360 --> 00:07:38,820 so we could focus on organizing, training 160 00:07:38,820 --> 00:07:40,640 and equipping our forces, 161 00:07:40,640 --> 00:07:42,660 while allowing 12th Air Force and 9th Air Force 162 00:07:42,660 --> 00:07:44,874 to concentrate on their role as air components 163 00:07:44,874 --> 00:07:47,839 within Southern and Central Command. 164 00:07:47,839 --> 00:07:49,410 This has been a great team effort 165 00:07:49,410 --> 00:07:51,090 between your staff and mine 166 00:07:51,090 --> 00:07:54,040 and I appreciate your leadership in making this happen. 167 00:07:54,040 --> 00:07:55,290 Thank you for your confidence 168 00:07:55,290 --> 00:07:58,730 in allowing me to continue to lead these outstanding airmen. 169 00:07:58,730 --> 00:08:00,460 Uniting under a new numbered air force 170 00:08:00,460 --> 00:08:02,760 makes us an even more lethal force, 171 00:08:02,760 --> 00:08:04,450 able to sustain today's fight, 172 00:08:04,450 --> 00:08:07,810 while also preparing to meet tomorrow's threats. 173 00:08:07,810 --> 00:08:10,040 15th Air Force will also continue to develop 174 00:08:10,040 --> 00:08:11,560 the joint task force, 175 00:08:11,560 --> 00:08:14,850 ensuring our air power dominance is expeditionary in nature, 176 00:08:14,850 --> 00:08:16,910 so we can maintain a decisive advantage 177 00:08:16,910 --> 00:08:19,343 across the full spectrum of operations. 178 00:08:20,290 --> 00:08:22,300 Former commander of 15th Air Force, 179 00:08:22,300 --> 00:08:24,840 Lieutenant General James P. Mullins 180 00:08:24,840 --> 00:08:26,140 offers some good perspective 181 00:08:26,140 --> 00:08:28,253 as we reactivate the 15th today. 182 00:08:29,220 --> 00:08:30,437 He said, 183 00:08:30,437 --> 00:08:32,960 "As we face the future with all its challenges 184 00:08:32,960 --> 00:08:36,080 and opportunities, we would do well to keep in mind 185 00:08:36,080 --> 00:08:38,400 what has brought us to this point. 186 00:08:38,400 --> 00:08:41,137 The thousands of people who precede us 187 00:08:41,137 --> 00:08:43,540 and the principles that guided them." 188 00:08:43,540 --> 00:08:46,210 So let us remember the heritage of 15th Air Force, 189 00:08:46,210 --> 00:08:48,460 as we enter this new era. 190 00:08:48,460 --> 00:08:50,230 An era that would make Jimmy Doolittle, 191 00:08:50,230 --> 00:08:52,483 the first 15th Air Force commander, proud. 192 00:08:54,044 --> 00:08:56,290 I often say that our airmen deserve great leadership 193 00:08:56,290 --> 00:08:57,870 and that is just what I resolved to provide 194 00:08:57,870 --> 00:09:00,350 the men and women of 15th Air Force. 195 00:09:00,350 --> 00:09:01,440 Our commanders understand 196 00:09:01,440 --> 00:09:05,400 that we owe our warriors two things, discipline and purpose. 197 00:09:05,400 --> 00:09:06,730 We must be a disciplined force, 198 00:09:06,730 --> 00:09:09,190 so that we don't break things or hurt people. 199 00:09:09,190 --> 00:09:10,548 And we always need to ensure 200 00:09:10,548 --> 00:09:13,100 our airmen know their purpose. 201 00:09:13,100 --> 00:09:14,363 Every airman matters. 202 00:09:15,830 --> 00:09:17,430 I know 15th Air Force will continue 203 00:09:17,430 --> 00:09:19,090 its heritage of excellence. 204 00:09:19,090 --> 00:09:21,110 History shows us that we will be presented 205 00:09:21,110 --> 00:09:23,990 with new challenges and I trust that our priorities 206 00:09:23,990 --> 00:09:27,350 of building ready, resilient and resourceful airmen 207 00:09:27,350 --> 00:09:30,370 will prepare us for whatever the future holds. 208 00:09:30,370 --> 00:09:32,110 General Holmes, thank you again 209 00:09:32,110 --> 00:09:35,010 for entrusting me to lead these outstanding men and women. 210 00:09:35,010 --> 00:09:37,690 I know they will continue to deliver dominant airpower, 211 00:09:37,690 --> 00:09:41,250 ensuring we remain the most feared Air Force on the planet. 212 00:09:41,250 --> 00:09:42,350 Thank you. 213 00:09:42,350 --> 00:09:44,050 - Thank you, General Franks. 214 00:09:44,050 --> 00:09:45,920 Ladies and gentlemen, you will now witness 215 00:09:45,920 --> 00:09:47,530 the re-designation of the United States 216 00:09:47,530 --> 00:09:48,950 Air Forces Central Command 217 00:09:48,950 --> 00:09:52,350 to headquarters 9th Air Force, Air Forces Central. 218 00:09:52,350 --> 00:09:55,050 USAFCENT was established as 5th Air Support Command 219 00:09:55,050 --> 00:09:57,380 in 1941 in Bowman Field, Kentucky. 220 00:09:57,380 --> 00:09:59,730 A long lineage with multiple names and mission 221 00:09:59,730 --> 00:10:01,800 gives USAFCENT a colorful history. 222 00:10:01,800 --> 00:10:03,690 Initially involved in early training activities 223 00:10:03,690 --> 00:10:05,620 for air ground support operations, 224 00:10:05,620 --> 00:10:08,990 the organization later moved to and operated in Egypt, 225 00:10:08,990 --> 00:10:12,980 where it was re-designated as the 9th Air Force in 1942. 226 00:10:12,980 --> 00:10:15,420 The organization participated in the allied drive 227 00:10:15,420 --> 00:10:18,270 across Egypt and Libya, the campaign in Tunisia 228 00:10:18,270 --> 00:10:20,590 and the invasions of Sicily and Italy. 229 00:10:20,590 --> 00:10:22,950 It then moved to England to support war efforts, 230 00:10:22,950 --> 00:10:25,070 taking part in the drive that carried the allies 231 00:10:25,070 --> 00:10:27,470 across France and culminated in victory 232 00:10:27,470 --> 00:10:30,050 over Germany in May, 1945. 233 00:10:30,050 --> 00:10:32,910 in 1950, assigned to Tactical Air Command, 234 00:10:32,910 --> 00:10:34,530 tactical air operations and training 235 00:10:34,530 --> 00:10:36,053 became the primary concern. 236 00:10:37,010 --> 00:10:39,200 Since 1983, the headquarters served 237 00:10:39,200 --> 00:10:42,908 in a joint force capacity as US Central Command Air Forces. 238 00:10:42,908 --> 00:10:45,764 It would later become known as Air Forces Central, 239 00:10:45,764 --> 00:10:49,550 responsible for contingency operations in Southwest Asia, 240 00:10:49,550 --> 00:10:51,880 namely as primary air command element 241 00:10:51,880 --> 00:10:53,340 during operations Desert Shield 242 00:10:53,340 --> 00:10:56,510 and Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991. 243 00:10:56,510 --> 00:10:58,520 And later during Operation Enduring Freedom 244 00:10:58,520 --> 00:11:01,210 beginning in 2001 and Operation Iraqi Freedom, 245 00:11:01,210 --> 00:11:05,890 beginning in 2003. on 5th August, 2009 246 00:11:05,890 --> 00:11:07,680 9th Air Force Air Forces Central 247 00:11:07,680 --> 00:11:09,093 was re-designated as the United States 248 00:11:09,093 --> 00:11:13,990 Air Forces Central Command, USAFCENT a named Air Force. 249 00:11:13,990 --> 00:11:17,495 Today, USAFCENT will once again become a numbered Air Force, 250 00:11:17,495 --> 00:11:21,300 being re-designated as 9th Air Force Air Forces Central. 251 00:11:21,300 --> 00:11:22,520 - Publish the order. 252 00:11:22,520 --> 00:11:23,700 - Attention to orders, 253 00:11:23,700 --> 00:11:25,700 according to special order number GB101, 254 00:11:26,680 --> 00:11:29,860 dated 20 August, 2020 United States Air Forces 255 00:11:29,860 --> 00:11:32,670 Central Command is re-designated as 9th Air Force, 256 00:11:32,670 --> 00:11:33,730 Air Forces Central. 257 00:11:33,730 --> 00:11:35,600 ladies and gentlemen, at this time, 258 00:11:35,600 --> 00:11:37,610 the 9th Air Force flag as signified 259 00:11:37,610 --> 00:11:40,930 by the nine ball emblem will be uncased and unfurled 260 00:11:40,930 --> 00:11:42,956 formally re-designating the command. 261 00:11:42,956 --> 00:11:47,456 (dramatic orchestral music continues) 262 00:11:48,490 --> 00:11:49,783 - Sir, I assume command. 263 00:11:53,150 --> 00:11:54,060 - Ladies and gentlemen, 264 00:11:54,060 --> 00:11:57,020 the Commander 9th Air Force, Air Forces Central, 265 00:11:57,020 --> 00:11:59,233 Lieutenant General Gregory M. Guillot. 266 00:12:00,140 --> 00:12:00,988 - Greetings. 267 00:12:00,988 --> 00:12:03,230 Thanks to all who are watching the ceremony 268 00:12:03,230 --> 00:12:06,550 to mark this important and long awaited occasion. 269 00:12:06,550 --> 00:12:09,050 General Holmes, thank you for officiating this ceremony 270 00:12:09,050 --> 00:12:11,353 and for the support, advocacy and leadership 271 00:12:11,353 --> 00:12:15,410 you provided the women and men of USAFCENT over the years. 272 00:12:15,410 --> 00:12:16,820 Thanks to major General Franks 273 00:12:16,820 --> 00:12:18,370 and the new 15th Air Force team 274 00:12:18,370 --> 00:12:21,310 for merging this ceremony with their own important event 275 00:12:21,310 --> 00:12:24,610 and for the close teamwork our commands share every day. 276 00:12:24,610 --> 00:12:26,360 I would also like to thank our local partners 277 00:12:26,360 --> 00:12:28,290 and neighbors in the Sumter community. 278 00:12:28,290 --> 00:12:29,660 Despite your busy schedules, 279 00:12:29,660 --> 00:12:31,370 I know many of you are taking the time 280 00:12:31,370 --> 00:12:33,220 to watch today's ceremony. 281 00:12:33,220 --> 00:12:35,960 Your ongoing support is integral to AFCENT's ability 282 00:12:35,960 --> 00:12:39,240 to deliver decisive air power, deter adversaries 283 00:12:39,240 --> 00:12:41,560 and stabilize United States Central Command 284 00:12:41,560 --> 00:12:43,530 area of responsibility. 285 00:12:43,530 --> 00:12:46,120 And finally, thank you to all the past commanders 286 00:12:46,120 --> 00:12:48,960 of 9th Air Force and AFCENT and to all the airmen 287 00:12:48,960 --> 00:12:51,340 who have proudly served this command in the past 288 00:12:51,340 --> 00:12:53,550 for paving the way for our current capabilities 289 00:12:53,550 --> 00:12:54,553 and successes. 290 00:12:55,840 --> 00:12:58,800 I'd first like to address the format of this ceremony, 291 00:12:58,800 --> 00:12:59,940 a format that has become 292 00:12:59,940 --> 00:13:02,690 all too common these days, virtual. 293 00:13:02,690 --> 00:13:03,760 Given the invisible threat 294 00:13:03,760 --> 00:13:06,060 our nation is fighting in COVID-19, 295 00:13:06,060 --> 00:13:07,950 it is not responsible to put attendees 296 00:13:07,950 --> 00:13:10,230 at health risk by gathering en mass 297 00:13:10,230 --> 00:13:11,920 but thanks to some airman ingenuity, 298 00:13:11,920 --> 00:13:14,140 we're able to bring this event to you virtually 299 00:13:14,140 --> 00:13:15,470 and when conditions permit, 300 00:13:15,470 --> 00:13:17,240 hopefully sooner, rather than later, 301 00:13:17,240 --> 00:13:18,410 we'll come together in person 302 00:13:18,410 --> 00:13:20,260 to celebrate this important occasion. 303 00:13:21,420 --> 00:13:23,160 The split of 9th Air Force and AFCENT 304 00:13:23,160 --> 00:13:25,070 was always meant to be temporary. 305 00:13:25,070 --> 00:13:27,390 General Schwartz, at the time, the chief of staff 306 00:13:27,390 --> 00:13:30,560 of the Air Force, stated very clearly in 2010, 307 00:13:30,560 --> 00:13:32,710 that this was "absolutely our intent 308 00:13:32,710 --> 00:13:35,820 to rejoin 9th Air Force and AFCENT." 309 00:13:35,820 --> 00:13:38,730 Here today, that intent is realized. 310 00:13:38,730 --> 00:13:41,770 Not only is USAFCENT realigned with 9th Air Force 311 00:13:41,770 --> 00:13:44,110 but the flag or command headquarters 312 00:13:44,110 --> 00:13:46,420 has returned to Shaw Air Force Base. 313 00:13:46,420 --> 00:13:48,530 Although the flag moves, it's important to note 314 00:13:48,530 --> 00:13:51,700 that our mission and the majority of our 14,000 airmen 315 00:13:51,700 --> 00:13:54,000 will remain deployed to the middle East region 316 00:13:54,000 --> 00:13:57,570 using air power to defeat terrorism and extremism 317 00:13:57,570 --> 00:14:00,240 with a forward command and control element in Qatar, 318 00:14:00,240 --> 00:14:04,150 side by side with our outstanding Qatari friends and hosts. 319 00:14:04,150 --> 00:14:06,970 However, bringing the headquarters back to Shaw 320 00:14:06,970 --> 00:14:09,780 along with elements of our Air Operations Center, 321 00:14:09,780 --> 00:14:12,180 brings additional operational resiliency, 322 00:14:12,180 --> 00:14:16,460 ensuring our command can endure any regional crisis. 323 00:14:16,460 --> 00:14:18,320 It also brings other immediate benefits, 324 00:14:18,320 --> 00:14:20,070 such as being in the same time zone 325 00:14:20,070 --> 00:14:23,180 as our two senior commands, Air Combat Command 326 00:14:23,180 --> 00:14:25,383 and United States Central Command. 327 00:14:25,383 --> 00:14:28,680 Returning the flag to Shaw further allows 9th Air Force 328 00:14:28,680 --> 00:14:30,764 and AFCENT to partner more closely 329 00:14:30,764 --> 00:14:34,200 with General Franks and 15th Air Force. 330 00:14:34,200 --> 00:14:35,830 The partnership with 15th Air Force 331 00:14:35,830 --> 00:14:38,340 is particularly important, as 15th Air Force 332 00:14:38,340 --> 00:14:40,650 will be sharpening the combat capability 333 00:14:40,650 --> 00:14:42,950 of Air Combat Command's conventional forces 334 00:14:42,950 --> 00:14:45,600 all across the nation, many of whom will deploy 335 00:14:45,600 --> 00:14:48,690 to serve in USAFCENT units. 336 00:14:48,690 --> 00:14:50,800 Additionally, 9th Air Force and AFCENT 337 00:14:50,800 --> 00:14:53,220 will better aligned with our theater partners, 338 00:14:53,220 --> 00:14:57,909 Lieutenant General Ferrell and US Army Central, or ARCENT. 339 00:14:57,909 --> 00:14:59,740 AFCENT and ARCENT are closely linked 340 00:14:59,740 --> 00:15:01,640 in everything we do in the Middle East 341 00:15:01,640 --> 00:15:03,930 and being headquartered side-by-side at Shaw 342 00:15:03,930 --> 00:15:07,890 will only lead to better combat effectiveness, overseas. 343 00:15:07,890 --> 00:15:10,230 Together, 15th Air Force, ARCENT 344 00:15:10,230 --> 00:15:14,490 and 9th Air Force AFCENT, form an unmatched ability 345 00:15:14,490 --> 00:15:18,190 to train, deploy and employ combat power 346 00:15:18,190 --> 00:15:20,050 and when paired with the legendary support 347 00:15:20,050 --> 00:15:23,120 our airmen and soldiers enjoy from the citizens of Sumter, 348 00:15:23,120 --> 00:15:24,760 this makes Shaw Air Force base 349 00:15:24,760 --> 00:15:27,110 perhaps the most important operational base 350 00:15:27,110 --> 00:15:29,020 in the United States. 351 00:15:29,020 --> 00:15:30,700 9th Air Force and AFCENT are proud 352 00:15:30,700 --> 00:15:32,340 to return the flag to Shaw 353 00:15:32,340 --> 00:15:34,010 and to work shoulder-to-shoulder 354 00:15:34,010 --> 00:15:36,433 with 15th Air Force and ARCENT. 355 00:15:36,433 --> 00:15:38,870 Although our alignment and headquarter's location 356 00:15:38,870 --> 00:15:41,860 have changed, you can be assured of one constant. 357 00:15:41,860 --> 00:15:43,980 9th Air Force and AFCENT airmen 358 00:15:43,980 --> 00:15:46,400 will remain dedicated and disciplined, 359 00:15:46,400 --> 00:15:50,290 as we fly, fight and most importantly, win. 360 00:15:50,290 --> 00:15:51,123 Thank you. 361 00:15:52,108 --> 00:15:53,940 - Thank you. General Guillot. 362 00:15:53,940 --> 00:15:56,700 Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes our ceremony. 363 00:15:56,700 --> 00:15:58,250 Thank you for joining us today.