AFSOC vice commander visits Air Commandos

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Marelise Wood
  • 352nd Special Operations Group Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Maj. Gen. O.G. Mannon, a former commander of the 352nd Special Operations Group, returned for a recent visit with a new title, Vice Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla.

While here, General Mannon had lunch with Airmen and noncommissioned officers, toured unaccompanied housing occupied by 352nd SOG members, and met with senior leaders.

At lunch, the general used the opportunity to field questions from the group and spoke candidly about changes he foresees in our force that would ultimately improve the way we do business. The focus was primarily on changes involving personnel reduction and budget constraints. He spoke of joining the military during a time where limited budgets resulted in many members bringing their own office supplies to work.

"I'm not suggesting that our military is going back to that by any means, but I do want you all to realize that things are going to be different," General Mannon said.

As he went into further discussion of military finance and budget, he used the example of personal finances as something that cannot be overlooked.

"Military changes impact us not only professionally, but personally, and we must be aware of that," he said, adding that Airmen must be prepared in their personal and professional lives for change. "Changes are coming, but changes force us to find safer, quicker, more agile ways of doing things."

Following lunch, the general toured Building 215 where most of the 352nd SOG's unaccompanied Airmen reside. The Dorm Council president, Airman 1st Class Diana Barlow, 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron, assisted with the tour. It included a walk-through of her room, known to be a consistently strong contender for the Team Mildenhall Dormitory Room of the Quarter Award. The group has invested in several upgrades to the building, which were proudly showcased.

Senior leaders had the opportunity to speak with the general on their key issues, as well.

"Visits from senior leaders are always valuable, even if they can only drop by for a short while, as was the case with this particular trip," said Col. Gary McCollum, 352nd SOG commander. "General Mannon had the opportunity to personally observe and interact with a very busy and professional group of Air Commandos, providing him 'eyes on' some of the specific challenges we currently face. The other huge benefit for us was the perspective he provided on where our Air Force and major command are headed, and the critical role our group plays within the European theater and elsewhere."

General Mannon ended his trip by piloting one of the group's MC-130P Combat Shadows to Stuttgart, Germany, home to Special Operations Command Europe and Special Operations Command Africa.