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New 19th Air Force commander visits Vance

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  • By 71st FTW Public Affairs
  • 71st FTW Public Affairs
The 19th Air Force commander visited Vance Dec. 8. to share his mission of creating fifth-generation Airmen.

During a commander's call here, Maj. Gen. Michael A. Keltz presented his plan for training today's Airmen or what he calls "Fifth Generation Airman," as well as his vision for the new 19th Air Force.

Keltz said fifth-generation Airmen are the most "current and innovative" Airmen to date and have the capability to build an Air Force that can "dominate in land, sea, air, space and cyberspace."

The visit also provided an opportunity for Keltz to take a first-hand look at the 71st Flying Training Wing's operations and meet with base senior leaders.

"It was a great opportunity to reacquaint Maj. Gen. Keltz with Vance AFB and introduce him to the outstanding team we have here," said Col. Clark Quinn, commander of the 71st FTW.

"I know he was impressed and proud of the team and we are looking forward to continuing to excel at our mission of building fifth-generation Airmen for the Air Education and Training Command  and the Air Force."

This was Keltz's first visit to Vance since assuming command of 19th Air Force Oct.24, 2014, and is one of many stops he is making to learn more about the wings under his command.

AETC officially activated the numbered Air Force Oct. 1, marking another milestone in its flying education and training program for the Air Force, other services and the nation's allies.

The 19th Air Force trains more than 30,000 U.S. and allied students annually to include those at Vance AFB. The training ranges from entry-level undergraduate flying training through advanced combat crew training, and ultimately provides fully qualified aircrew personnel to the warfighting commands.