Chief Master Sgt. Eason visits Airmen in Australia

Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Eason (center), Pacific Air Forces individual mobilization augmentee to the command chief, poses for a group photo with the Airmen of 337th Air Support Flight during a recent visit to Australia, Dec. 7-13, 2024. The 337th Air Support Flight has an 80-year history dating back to World War II, when they were the first support unit to Pacific forces in the region. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Chief Master Sgt. Eason visits Airmen in Australia

Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Eason, Pacific Air Forces individual mobilization augmentee to the command chief, shakes hands with a young family member of an Airman assigned to the 2d Weather Squadron Detachment 1, in a remote area of western Australia, Dec. 7-13, 2024. The Squadron is organized under the U.S. Air Combat Command with the mission of monitoring solar activity using specialized telescopes and equipment for observing solar flares and sunspots. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Chief Master Sgt. Eason visits Airmen in Australia

Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Eason, Pacific Air Forces individual mobilization augmentee to the command chief, coins Senior Airman Lance Vasser, 337th Air Support Flight financial operations technician, at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, Australia, Dec. 7-13, 2024. The 337th Air Support Flight is aligned under the 374th Airlift Wing out of Yokota Air Base, Japan, and the unit supports administrative functions for all U.S. military personnel assigned to Australia locations. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Chief Master Sgt. Eason visits Airmen in Australia

Published Dec. 19, 2024
By Senior Master Sgt. Rob Webb
PACAF

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, Australia --

The Pacific Air Forces command chief augmentee journeyed across Australia to recognize the contributions, address challenges, and reinforce PACAF’s commitment to quality of life and readiness for all Air Force members stationed there Dec. 9-14, 2024.

Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Eason, PACAF individual mobilization augmentee to the command chief, met with the Airmen and families assigned to PACAF Air Postal Squadron, Detachment 4, the 735th Air Mobility Squadron Detachment 1, the 337th Air Support Flight, and the 2d Weather Squadron Detachment 1.

“It was a pleasure visiting the Airmen of the 337th Air Support Flight at the US Embassy in Canberra Australia as they are the linchpin to serving over 300 Airmen in the Australian region,” said Eason. “They are the unofficial touch point ensuring Airmen in their AOR stay connected and assisted in a variety of support categories.”

Eason’s visit emphasized the critical role these units play in supporting U.S. military operations across Australia, and the importance of caring for supportive family members in areas such as medical care, childcare, and remote living far away from U.S. territory, military installations, or major commands.

The 337th Air Support Flight’s Airmen’s efforts were recognized by Eason, as the six-Airman team provides logistical, legal, and financial support to 315 U.S. military personnel located throughout Australia.

“Visiting the 2nd Weather Squadron Det 1 felt like standing at the end of the earth. Being stationed at this remote location that is 4 hours away from the next town and a plane ride away from the nearest major city comes with challenges. I was able to sit with the Airmen and their families to learn more about the struggles and obstacles to this assignment.” Said Eason “It was also enlightening to learn of the ingenious methods used to function as a small community in spite of the conditions to the quality of life. As I learned, this unique mission is critical to not just mission effectiveness in and around PACAF but to all of DOD.”

Eason shared his gratitude with Airmen, civilians, and families, thanking them for their dedication and support of the PACAF mission in the Indo-Pacific region.