EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Airmen from the 33rd Fighter Wing attended the Air Force Association’s professional development event, the Air Warfare Symposium, Feb. 27 to March 1, 2019, in Orlando, Fla.
The symposium brings together Air Force senior leaders and leaders in industry, academia, and government to address the challenges the Air Force faces today and in the future. The participants experienced two days of discussions and gained unique insights on some of the factors transforming the defense market landscape.
Speakers included Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein, Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson, Air Combat Command commander Gen. Mike Holmes, Dallas Mavericks owner and Shark Tank judge Mark Cuban, and more.
“Hearing from our Air Force leadership firsthand on all the amazing things that Airmen across the Air Force are accomplishing on a daily basis in regards to cost-saving and process improvement initiatives was amazing,” said Capt. Matthew Powell, 58th Fighter Squadron instructor pilot.
Between speakers, attendees were given the opportunity to tour the technology exposition featuring more than 27,000 square feet of space with 50 companies showcasing the latest innovations in air warfare capabilities.
“Having the opportunity to learn how industry partners are giving us the war fighting capabilities we need to accomplish our mission was a great reminder of how we are rapidly adapting for the future battlefield,” said Powell.
During the event, Airmen connected with more than 2,000 industry professionals and Air Force leaders, and networked with others from all across the globe.
“Attending the Air Warfare Symposium was a rewarding experience that I know will affect me for the rest of my career,” said Staff Sgt. Kerry Kearschner, 33rd Fighter Wing command chief executive assistant. “Learning about leadership in disruptive times from former Air Force Chief of Staff retired Gen. Mark Welsh was inspirational and will impact how I lead Airmen in the future.”