General Schwartz sends message to Airmen

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  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Air Force's 19th chief of staff assumed command of the service during a ceremony in Washington D.C., Aug. 12. 

"Without trust, we are nothing," Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said to the crowd of about 600 people on the base's ceremonial lawn. "Trust must be earned, yet the American public trusts those in uniform. We will show ourselves worthy of the sacred trust our leaders, our joint brethren and the American people place in us, because this business is all about trust." 

On June 9, Secretary Gates recommended General Schwartz, who was the U.S. Transportation Command commander, to replace Gen. T. Michael Moseley.

"General Schwartz's leadership qualities make him the right man at the right time [for this job]," he said. "He is one who has lived the core values of Airmen and women: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do." 

Shortly after assuming command, the chief of staff sent a message to all Airmen. 

"It is an extraordinary privilege for Suzie and me to join you as your new first family. We are grateful for this rare opportunity. I want to lay out what I think is important as clearly as I can. The U.S. Air Force is a premier organization that provides our Nation a vast array of capabilities in air, space and cyberspace. The Nation is at war and the capabilities we provide our leadership are critical to success. Whether our contribution is in irregular warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan, the fight to save lives through humanitarian relief operations, or deterrence and dissuasion of potential adversaries, the Air Force is a key contributor to the national defense of America.

We are part of a Joint team that trusts us to perform superbly when called upon. Everyone in this organization contributes to our readiness--no one should measure their worth by their proximity to the target. For many years, the U.S. Air Force has been at the forefront of our Nation's business worldwide. As we continue to fulfill the high expectations others have for us, let's approach our business with enthusiasm, quiet professionalism, and an abiding respect for one another and our Joint and Coalition teammates.

Please visit https://www.my.af.mil/afp/netstorage/csaf/AFLoginVideo.html to view my introductory message. My promise to you is I will lead from the front; I'll work hard every day and strive to maintain the same high standards as each of you; and along the way we'll have fun, too!"