ACC leadership emphasizes readiness, innovation, and leadership at the 388th Fighter Wing all call Published Nov. 26, 2024 By Capt. Nathan Poblete 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command and Chief Master Sgt. Dave Wolfe, ACC command chief, visited the 388th Fighter Wing, Nov. 19, to meet with Airmen, wing leadership, and share their priorities while highlighting the importance of the 388th Fighter Wing’s efforts. The ACC leadership team saw firsthand how the 388th Fighter Wing maintains combat readiness and deploys F-35A Lightning II aircraft worldwide in support of national defense. “If we can create enough deterrence value, the hope is our adversary wakes up every morning and says, ‘No, not today,’” said Wilsbach. "Readiness is one of the most effective ways we can create dilemmas for our competitors." The 388th Fighter Wing has demonstrated its readiness by deploying twice to the Indo-Pacific region in the past two years. They worked alongside partners to enhance regional security and stability, continuing rotations of aircraft and personnel in the Pacific ensures lethal and credible airpower in support of shared U.S. and allied interests. During the all call, Wolfe, emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in achieving peak readiness and deterrence. "Every day you’re a little bit better, your team’s a little bit better, you’ve taken care of one more small problem that can be knocked off,” said Wolfe. “If we all take that approach, over time, we’re going to increase our readiness and achieve deterrence." Personnel in the wing have successfully conducted and participated in more than four large-scale Agile Combat Employment (ACE) exercises over the past year, including Bamboo Eagle and Panther Shadow. These exercises have served as a platform to test and integrate modernization efforts and innovative solutions developed in-house by 388th Fighter Wing organizations. "Six or seven years ago, ACE was a PowerPoint presentation. Today, it’s a way of life," said Wilsbach. The ACC leadership team recognized and coined several Airmen for their innovative efforts in advancing F-35 operations and integrating next-generation weapons. Wilsbach concluded the all call by sharing a personal story from his time at the 44th Fighter Squadron at Kadena Air Base in the 1990s. He recalled how a culture of camaraderie and care created a high-performing team ready to respond to any challenge. “We took care of each other,” said Wilsbach. “New members were welcomed with decorated quarters, assistance navigating the base, and social events…and it resulted in incredible success.” Wolfe reinforced the importance of mentorship and guidance in achieving success. "What you need as a coach is someone who will inspire, motivate, teach, and help you learn,” said Wolfe. “That’s the environment we need to embrace—doing difficult things together while mentoring and guiding each other toward success." They challenged Airmen to foster similar cultures within their units, starting with caring for the Airmen to their left and right, while also encouraging each other to embrace their role in maintaining national security.