Air Combat Command’s top leader conducted an all-call here April 7 with Airmen assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of ACC, thanked 388th and 419th FW Airmen for the phenomenal progress they’ve made toward initial operational capability for the F-35.

“With the capabilities the F-35 has, it is going to be the greatest airplane the world has ever seen,” he said. “What you’ve done in bringing on the F-35 is unbelievable. It’s legendary.”

Carlisle also spoke about his three R’s: Readiness, Resiliency and Respect.

He stressed that Airmen and their families need to be ready to do the things this nation asks them to do, and said they would be better prepared if they were resilient.

“We need you. We need you to be ready, and we need you to be resilient,” he said. “If you need help and you ask for it, to me that’s a sign of strength. It helps you be ready for the things you can’t anticipate.”  

Carlisle went on to say that the vast majority of Airmen know that it’s right to treat each other with dignity and respect. He cautioned, however, that the Air Force has been undercut as an organization on those rare occasions where respect has lagged.

“The ethos of the United States Air Force is mutual support. Everything we do is about taking care of one another and making sure we’re better as a whole,” he said. “Whatever small, minute percentage there is of Airmen out there doing bad things, we have to stop it. And with all of us together, we can.”

After his remarks, Carlisle provided answers to varied questions on topics such as enlisted Airmen flying remotely piloted aircraft, leadership traits and Airmen carrying firearms on base. He also addressed the current manpower shortage among maintenance Airmen, ensuring the audience that the problem is being fixed.

Carlisle concluded the all-call by thanking the Airmen for their service and dedication to duty.

“It’s you,” he said. “You guys make the Air Force. What you have done here is something to behold. I can’t thank you enough for what you’re doing.”