Gina Ortiz Jones, Under Secretary of the Air Force, recently visited Tinker Air Force Base to meet with Airmen and learn more about the missions they support.
Jones travelled to the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex during his visit, which is the largest maintenance depot within the Air Force Materiel Command and supports a variety of aircraft and engine workloads.
Jones was given a tour of the F-135 engine repair line, which demonstrated innovative process improvements that have cut engine maintenance times in half.
“Visiting the F-135 engine repair line today was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the hard work of the Oklahoma City Air Logistic Complex and its partners,” Jones said. “They have had to pioneer new processes and overcome unforeseen challenges while still supporting the high-priority, critical operational needs of the warfighter.”
“We need talent as diverse as the challenges and opportunities that we face as a country,” Jones said. “I am proud to highlight this historic flight, a powerful demonstration of the DAF’s commitment to an inclusive and mission ready force.”
During her time with the 552nd, Jones spoke briefly about the department’s transition from the E-3 to the E-7 Wedgetail.
“The E-3 has served our Air Force, our country, and our allies well since it was brought into service in 1977,” she said. “However, the pacing challenge demands a more capable platform, and we are excited about bringing on the E7.”
Jones also visited one of the three child development centers on the installation. These facilities provide daily care of children from infants up to preschool age. It is the oldest CDC, having been built on a flood plain in 1974, with 2 renovations and additions over the years. Funding for this type of support infrastructure has been a historical struggle across the Air Force.
“CDC West exemplifies facilities and staff across the department that support Airmen and Guardians and allows them to generate the mission and project combat power without worrying if their loved ones are cared for,” Jones said.
Jones made connecting with victim support service providers a top priority while stationed at Tinker AFB. She met with the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response coordinator, domestic abuse victim advocacy, the Office of Special Investigations, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Office, mental health, the community support coordinator, first sergeants, commanders, and others involved in victim advocacy. The working lunch was an open forum for hearing directly from leaders and service providers about their work and ways to improve overall victim support.
Jones directed the Air Force to establish a pilot programme to co-locate support services for victims of sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and other inter-personal violence harms.
As the pilot effort continues, Tinker AFB will serve as a control base.
Jones talked to Airmen about how diversity and inclusion help us be a more mission-ready and lethal force.
“If you have the courage to raise your right hand to support and defend the constitution, as leaders, it’s our job to ensure you can do so to your full potential,” Jones said.