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Show June 4, 1992 Mf FET(S m&w ffw-- e. by TSgt. Sarah L. Hood Air Force News Service WASHINGTON - The Air Force was born in "it was good for the country," the same motive behind the restructure that has created two new Air Force commands and a joint com1947 because mand, the secretary of the Air Force said. round of activations and deactivations brought life to U.S. Strategic Command, Air Combat Command and Air Mobility Command and bade farewell to the Tactical Air Command, Military Airlift Command and Strategic Air Com-- ' mand in three separate A June 1 rapid-fir- e Together the two new commands "frame a leaner, meaner force that can deliver a helping hand or a clenched fist." programs. Secretary Donald B. Rice told those gathered at Scott AFB, 111., for the activation ceremony whv the creation of Air tommana is also "good for the Mobility country." "It will help the United States meet commit- ments to friends close or far. It will help preserve collective security in a splintering world." Ceremonies such as the AMC activation and MAC deactivation "evoke strong feelings," Rice said. These include feelings of pride in being part of the "most fundamental reorganization of the Air Force since we became a service, and a little nostalgia at the passing of the former, familiar organization." As ACC became operational at Langley AFB, Va., Rice said it's sometimes difficult to recognize history in the making. "Let me tell you, this is it." He said that while Air Mobility Command offers the nation rapid global reach, Air Combat Command " ; efffivesffes Dim dm si ira d provides global power. Together, the two commands "frame a leaner, meaner force that can deliver a helping hand or a clenched fist." Former SAC and TAC resources will make up the bulk of ACC, to include fighters, bombers, ICBMs, reconnaissance aircraft, and some transports and tankers. AMC will include the majority of airlift assets as well as a large portion of the tanker force. Among the dignitaries joining Rice at the ceremonies were Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Merrill A. McPeak and CMSAF Gary R. Pfingston. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Colin L. Powell presided at the final ceremonies deactivating SAC and activating U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt AFB, Neb. President Bush announced the formation of U.S. Strategic Command Sept. 27, 1991, as part of his initiative to reduce the number of nuclear weapons War era. in the USSTRATCOM's mission includes primary responsibility for strategic nuclear forces to support the national security objective of strategic deterrence. A "great turning point in history" is how Powell termed the introduction of USSTRATCOM. He also paid tribute to SAC's 46 years of service. "The Cold War is over and the Americans and allies won," Powell said. "While always prepared, the horrors of World War III never came and the free world will be forever grateful (to SAC)." Retiring SAC colors signaled a major step toward integrated air power, McPeak said. And while closing this chapter of Air Force history may be difficult for many, "SAC's warriors did not sign on for the purpose of being in SAC, they signed on to serve the nation," McPeak said. McPeak said deterrence is not merely an Air Force mission, needing an Air Force command. It's a joint mission, for the nation, that requires a joint post-Col- d 4 3 Hilltop Times HlJili.HM V J - rv From the Air Force Chief of Staff The Air Force entered a new era Monday. The activations of Air Combat Command and Air Mobility Command culminate the most fundamental change to the organization of the Air Force since 1947, when we became a separate service. ' Today we are building a new Air Force a more capable Air from the ground up Force based firmly on the foundations and traditions of the past 45 years. The creation of ACC and AMC brings us into the era of integrated airpower and organizes us in peacetime as we will fight in war. We have come a long way in the nine short months since Secretary Rice and I announced our restructuring initiatives. We could not have come this far this quickly without the hard work and support of the entire Air Force. For that I thank you. The restructure you are a part of is helping build the world's most respected air and space force. Gen. Merrill A. McPeak Chief of Staff command. L J n jij -- Military-- riveniont cmd Quick Cash!! OrCash for personal needsvacations, etp. c0 x Civilian' Persorinel ) mi? "mrn' f! m ' t mow up, m 2m immmiyu need. Dated Check. js'al and fit) jMif(li6r Civilian ID Post I . you. I i. i Now of the Low'Airfares! vantage 8 i i fj v) i OPEN:' r:n. . a a. i uxl kl moving soon io Layion vmuye imuai iu vvciimeiii; mm s I r300' EAST GENTILE'ST. MON.-THUR- S. 77 jr' ii 10 TO 5 LAYTON V540-277- 8 NOW OPEN SAf UR DAYS' 11 A.M. TO 3 P.M (Inside Layton MinhMall) FRI. 10 TO 5:30 |