AFMC leaders updated on nuclear surety, other challenges Published Sept. 29, 2008 By Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Field commanders and senior leaders from across Air Force Materiel Command gathered here Sept. 24 and 25 for two days of briefings and discussions about important issues facing an Air Force that has experienced much change in recent months. Some 100 AFMC center and wing commanders, command chief master sergeants and Headquarters AFMC directors attended the command's Senior Leaders Conference led by Gen. Bruce Carlson, AFMC commander. "The Air Force has entered a complex and difficult time since our last conference," General Carlson told the gathering. He and other briefers highlighted AFMC's work to strengthen the sustainment of the Air Force's nuclear arsenal over the past few months. AFMC has been at the center of restructuring the way the Air Force sustains its nuclear force since a May report to the Secretary of Defense was critical of many Air Force processes. The report followed a review of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile force after four ICBM nose-cone fuse assemblies were mistakenly shipped to Taiwan in 2006. The report eventually led to the resignation of the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff's retirement announcement in June. Also, 15 other officers were recently disciplined. General Carlson said AFMC is helping the Air Force gain the right oversight and management of its nuclear weapons. "We've made great strides in consolidating our sustainment processes under the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center at Kirtland AFB, (N.M.)," he said. "We are definitely on the right track." While the nuclear sustainment issue remains the highest priority, leaders were updated on a range of issues that affect AFMC's ability to take care of its people and continue to provide combat support to the warfighter. Attendees were briefed on the new Air Force Global Logistics Support Center that is improving the flow of parts and supplies to warfighters worldwide. They also received updates on the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter as well as ongoing efforts to acquire a new combat search and rescue aircraft and a new fleet of tankers. Other briefings and discussions included: > Update on housing privatization efforts at each AFMC base. > New command inspections processes. > AFMC's Voluntary Protection Program. > How AFMC is improving the way the Air Force designs and acquires uniforms. > A look at AFMC's medical service and how it supports the warfighters and members at AFMC bases. > Update on the Expeditionary Combat Support System, a technology that enables the transformation of the Air Force's logistics operation by guiding the redesign of business processes. > The command's Aircraft Structural Integrity Program. Conference attendees took time out to celebrate the Air Force's 61st birthday at an Air Force Ball held at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The ball was held in conjunction with the Wright Memorial Chapter of the Air Force Association. General Carlson was the recipient of the AFA's annual Heritage Award. Dr. William U. Borger, who retired this past summer following a 37-year career in Air Force research and development, was honored with the chapter's Legacy Award. Following the conference, leaders attended the AFA's first-ever Technology Symposium. The symposium highlighted the Air Force Research Laboratory and how AFMC brings technology to bear on integrated life cycle management of Air Force weapon systems. Several commanders presented briefings or took part in a variety of panel discussions.