General Seip arrival

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stefanie Torres
  • 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  The new 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern Commander, Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, is scheduled to visit the 388th Fighter Wing August 27-28. 

The general has specific goals for the 388th FW Airmen. "Fly, fight and win."
During his July 7 change of command, Gen. Seip spoke of his goals for 12th AF. "Take care of our Airmen ... ensuring each of them is provided with the right leadership, the right supervision, the right training, resources and education in order for them to be successful." 

During his trip to Hill Air Force Base, General Seip will visit the Airmen of the 388th FW who serve our nation and frequently deploy in support of the Global War on Terror. He will see the mission of the wing first-hand, focusing on maintenance and operations. On Sunday evening, General Seip will meet the wing's honorary commanders. 

Col. Robert Beletic, 388th Fighter Wing commander, spoke of the generals incoming visit. "We are honored and fortunate to have the 12th Air Force commander take time out of his schedule to visit the Airmen of the 388th FW. "I look forward to introducing General Seip to the fantastic Airmen here at Hill, and to learn as much as possible from him. Each time 12th AF visits the base, whether for a tour or an inspection, we become a better, more combat capable wing. General Seip's visit will be both enjoyable and advancing for the 388th FW." 

Stepping into his new job, General Seip expressed gratitude toward those who serve with him. 

"I recognize and appreciate the trust and confidence that [General Ronald Keys, commander Air Combat Command] has placed in me, and it will never be taken for granted," he said during the ceremony. "I am sure my actions and the actions of every Airman in the 12th AF will reinforce that trust and confidence each and every day. I am thankful for the opportunity to command, to lead and to serve in our great Air Force."
General Seip entered the Air Force after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1974. He is a command pilot with more than 4,500 flying hours, primarily in fighter aircraft. He has flown in support of Operations Southern and Northern Watch as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom. General Seip has commanded the 334th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., 48th Operations Group, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, and 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson AFB. Additionally, he has served as the Deputy Director of Operations and Training, Headquarters USAF, Deputy Combined Force Air Component Commander, U.S. Central Command, and A3 Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Headquarters USAF. 

As commander of 12th AF and AFSOUTH, he oversees Air Force assets, five forward operating locations, and civil and military engagements in Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. 

He is also responsible for seven active-duty wings and three direct reporting units in the Western and Midwestern United States.
General Seip is scheduled to visit the 12th AF wings during his initial tour of the bases.