Chief Master Sgt. Richard Kaiser, the command chief master sergeant of Air Mobility Command, speaks to Team Dover members at the First Term Airmen’s Center and Airman Leadership School Sept. 26, 2011, at the Dover Air Force Base, Del., education office. The education office was one of many locations Kaiser visited at Dover AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Chuck Walker)
Chief Master Sgt. Richard Kaiser (middle), the command chief master sergeant of Air Mobility Command, speaks with Senior Airman Jessica Gregor, an air traffic controller with the 436th Operations Support Squadron on Sept. 26, 2011, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Gregor was one of many Airmen who briefed Kaiser during his tour of Dover AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/Roland Balik)
by Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
9/27/2011 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Team Dover was on display when Chief Master Sgt. Richard Kaiser, Air Mobility Command's new command chief master sergeant, paid a visit to the base Sept. 26, 2011.
Kaiser replaced Chief Master Sgt. David Spector in August, and is visiting all AMC bases. According to Kaiser, his visit to Dover Air Force Base, Del., didn't disappoint.
"I have just one word [to describe my impression of Dover AFB]: wow," said Kaiser. "This base has an incredible mission and outstanding Airmen."
The visit also gave Kaiser a chance to share his leadership vision for AMC with Team Dover.
"My vision is to serve all Airmen regardless of rank, to wholly improve mission capability and enhance enlisted promotion opportunities, and to support and show appreciation for Airmen's families," said Kaiser.
Kaiser's visit took him to several locations around Dover AFB, including the 436th Aerial Port, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center, Zachary and Elizabeth Fischer House, First Term Airmen's Center, Airman Leadership School and the Control tower.
Many Team Dover members gave presentations and tours to Kaiser; some were lucky enough to get something in return. Senior Airman Jessica Gregor, an air traffic controller with the 436th Operations Support Squadron, was presented a coin from Kaiser for conducting a tour of the Control tower.
"This is the first coin I've received from someone in his position; it's pretty awesome," said Gregor. "[Kaiser] was very nice, and was interested in all the things we do here."
Kaiser said he was impressed that the Control tower trained many apprentice Airmen to fill gaps in their manning levels. The ATCs weren't the only service members to make a favorable impression on the new chief.
"I was impressed by not only the first-line supervisors, but with the [up-and-coming NCOs] at [ALS] and the junior-enlisted members at [FTAC]," said Kaiser.
Chief Master Sgt. James Lucas, the command chief master sergeant of the 436th Airlift Wing, accompanied Kaiser during the tour.
"Kaiser was extremely impressed with the diversity of our mission and the high degree of professionalism of Team Dover. At every stop along our tour, he was met by highly energized folks eager to show off how they contribute to AMC's global mission. The spirit of innovation and strong sense of pride was truly impressive. Team Dover's reputation of excellence is well known by many, and I'm quite sure we've added Chief and Mrs. Kaiser to our growing list of fans," said Lucas.
Team Dover's partnership with the new AMC command chief master sergeant has just begun and according to Kaiser, things are getting off on the right foot.
"First and foremost, I'd like to thank [Team Dover] for their incredible service, furthering their critical missions, and protecting the land of the free," said Kaiser. "Team Dover delivers - in spades."
