U.S. Central Command commander visits Manas Air Base

Photo By Maj. Rickardo Bodden | Gen. David Petraeus, U.S. Central Command commander, provides his personal "coin" to Mr. Ryan Eargle, Manas Air Base Realty Service Field Office representative, following a mission brief from wing leadership. The general made his first visit to the 376th AEW since becoming the CENTCOM commander in October 2008. Manas AB serves as the premiere air mobility and air refueling hub for operations in Afghanistan.  

AFGHANISTAN

01.17.2009

Story by Maj. Rickardo Bodden 

376th Air Expeditionary Wing

By Maj. Damien Pickart
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KYRYZSTAN, Afghanistan - Manas Airmen briefly hosted the U.S. Central Command commander, Gen. David Petraeus, as he arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the start of a several day visit with Kyrgyz leadership.

The visit was the general's first to Manas AB and the Central Asian nation since assuming command of CENTCOM in October 2008.

While at Manas, General Petraeus received a briefing about the base's mission from Col. James Pfaff, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander. He also took the time to meet with Airmen and ask leadership for thoughts and comments on improving the base.

During his visit, leadership provided a brief windshield tour of the base and shared with the general how the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing is currently supporting operations in Afghanistan as the premiere air mobility hub for Operation Enduring Freedom and the International Security Assistance Force. The wing also serves as a main transit point for cargo and coalition personnel passing in and out of Afghanistan.

Following the briefing, the general shared a few thoughts and comments about the base and how well it continues to support combat operations and the fight in Afghanistan.

"The reputation of the service you provide here precedes you," he said. "Everyone raves about this facility and those that run the facility - and that's you. I've never heard a discouraging word about this place."

Before departing, the commander shook hands with Manas Airmen, posed for pictures and passed along his thanks to those deployed here.

"We have a great process here supported by great people and for this I thank you," said Gen. Petraeus.

• Date Taken: 01.17.2009
• Date Posted: 01.17.2009 10:50
• Story ID: 28967
• Location: AF