12AF Chief discusses Air Force challenges with Airmen Published Feb. 16, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Craig Seals 27th Fighter Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Chief Master Sgt. Wade Johnson, 12th Air Force command chief, visited Cannon Wednesday as part of an annual tour of 12th AF bases. During his tour, Chief Johnson had the opportunity to shake hands and listen to what was on the minds of the men and women of the 27th Fighter Wing. “What always stands out to me here is the dedication of the Airmen,” Chief Johnson said. “It was also exciting to see how the community and the base folks work together here.” Having the opportunity to spend time with the Airmen, Chief Johnson was able to talk about some of the challenges facing Airmen in the months ahead. “One of the biggest challenges is going to be the force drawdown in our force over the next several years leading up to 2011,” Chief Johnson said. “The number of people and systems will change, But, the overall goal is to do things smarter with less. We don’t have all the answers today. Will our mission change? Perhaps so, but for now the message is business as usual.” “The overall goal of all this is to do things smarter with less,” Chief Johnson said. “Throughout this process, we need to be constantly questioning our methods to figure out if this is the best and smartest method.” These changes will affect the 12th AF and in turn, Cannon, but Chief Johnson urges “business as usual.” “We don’t have all the answers today. Will our mission change? Perhaps so,” Chief Johnson said. “But for now the message is business as usual.” The main focus of Chief Johnson’s business however was the opportunity to get out among the working force. While doing so, Chief Johnson took particular note of the Wall of Heroes program begun by the Cannon Airman Leadership School. “The biggest thing I’m going to take away from here and share with the rest of the Air Force is the ALS’s Wall of Heroes,” the chief said. “What an honor to show that kind of respect to those that have served before us. We need to recognize those folks while we still have them with us and I’m going to share that program with my fellow chiefs at the ACC level.” Chief Johnson rounded out his visit by expressing his gratitude to Cannon personnel. “Thank you to all the Airmen that serve here. There is not a better way of life.”