CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) —
During his visit, Brown met with 27th Special Operations Wing leadership, held a breakfast with junior enlisted Airmen and hosted an all-call for Airmen across the wing. At the all-call, Brown spoke about the importance of prioritizing the needs of Airmen and emphasized the vital role they play as the Air Force adapts to address pacing, acute and unforeseen challenges of the future.
Brown also spoke about the future operating environment, expanding on why it’s important Airmen shift to a multi-capable mindset.
“You might be the first person there,” Brown explained. “There will be no internet. There will be no places to eat. Once we get there, we’re going to have to be able to set up and be ready to go. That’s what Agile Combat Employment is about — we’ve got to be lean and agile. We’ve got to think differently about what we bring; we can’t bring everything. We’ve also got to think about the fact that we’re going to be contested.”
During the all-call, Brown also emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health and resilience. He encouraged Airmen to take care of themselves, reach out to others, and seek out helping entities or health professionals if such services are needed. He also charged leaders to look at themselves, address any atmospherics or cultural challenges, and help Airmen develop a sense of purpose and connection.
“It’s really taking time to get to know each other,” Brown said. “Get to know the Airman to your left — it’s kind of tough to figure out someone’s having a bad day if you have no idea what a good day looks like.”
While Brown met with base leaders, his wife Sharene met with spouses for a candid discussion on the challenges Cannon AFB Airmen and their families face and how they can address those challenges.
She and Brown also met with local civic leaders to discuss the Five and Thrive initiative that aims to tackle issues with childcare, education, healthcare, access to safe and affordable housing, spouse employment, and how the Air Force and the community can work together to improve the quality of life for Airmen and their families.
Concluding his trip, Brown explained why visits to wings are so important for him and thanked the Cannon AFB team.
“When I go on these trips, I have a chance to meet with Airmen and hear some of the things they’re up against,” Brown said. “As you might imagine, there are a lot of layers between you and I — so, I get to hear some things firsthand. I take that back [to the Pentagon] and start asking a lot of hard questions about changes needed to make sure we can execute our mission to fly, fight and win, to deliver Airpower anytime, anywhere. Thanks again for the opportunity to spend time with you. Thanks for what you do for our Air Force. Thanks for what you do for our nation.”
