AFSPC commander: Minot in "thick of the fight" Published Jan. 29, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Wesley Wright Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- On his first official visit to Minot Jan. 23, the Air Force Space Command commander stressed team spirit, command goals and the importance of space in military operations. "There's something special here at Minot," said Gen. Kevin P. Chilton. "The 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Space Wing have two very distinct missions and commands, yet they're seamless in their operations and their support for each other. Team spirit is very pervasive here." During his visit, which occurred amidst falling snow and temperatures in the 20s, General Chilton toured 91st SW units as well as a missile alert facility about 40 miles away from the base. Through it all, the general made his goals as the head of AFSPC clear cut. "I want us to be a (command) that recognizes experts in fielding, launching and operating space systems across the Air Force and across the Department of Defense," he said during an interview with local media. "We are the experts at Air Force Space Command, and we know this business better than anyone else." In addition, General Chilton said he wants to ensure the viability of AFSPC's mission for years to come. "Air Force Space Command brings so much to the fight in the Global War on Terror," he said. "We can't imagine conducting military operations today without the support from space." Highlighting the hundreds of Minot Airmen currently deployed, General Chilton noted Minot is in the "thick of the fight." "You will find the men and women of Minot Air Force Base in jobs ranging from being on the front lines to various support elements; we just can't conduct operations without them." General Chilton, who visited Minot as the 8th Air Force commander in 2005, was back for the first time since assuming command of AFSPC in June 2006. "One of the first responsibilities of leadership is to get out and get to know your people and make sure you understand what their challenges are," he said. "When I first came on board as (the AFSPC) commander, my team told me they really wanted to get me up to Minot. I told them, 'I want to go in the wintertime. I want to go when it's tough out there.'" And members of the 91st SW not only appreciated the general's visit, but also the advice he had to share. "He was a great speaker," said Tech. Sgt. Detrick Thomas, 91st Maintenance Group, referring to comments made by the general at his commander's call Tuesday afternoon. The general was extremely motivational and got the audience "riled up" about Minot's mission, Sergeant Thomas said. In light of his multifaceted achievements, having an Air Force career and being an astronaut with NASA for 10 years, the general had a special message for Airmen: "Set your goals, reach for something you want to do and then don't be deterred. Also, don't be afraid to change as things come along the way. I owe where I am today to the Air Force."