Goodfellow hosts AETC deputy commander: Demonstrating readiness and adaptability

Published Dec. 19, 2024
By Senior Airman Sarah Williams
17th Training Wing Public Affairs

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Clark Quinn, Air Education and Training Command deputy commander, visited Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 17.

Quinn's visit highlighted Goodfellow AFB's importance in readiness and adaptability to meet the demands of Great Power Competition.

Goodfellow hosts AETC deputy commander: Demonstrating readiness and adaptability

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Clerk Quinn, Air Education and Training Command deputy commander, observes a seismometer during a visit at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 17, 2024. The seismometer is a training tool that allows students to identify parts and provides them a visual aid for how the equipment functions..(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)

The visit began at the Norma Brown Building, where Quinn attended the wing mission brief. The brief provided him with a comprehensive understanding of how the 17th Training Wing supports and prepares service members to confront the challenges posed by near-pear adversaries.

After the brief, Quinn proceeded to the 312th Training Squadron, where he witnessed hands-on demonstrations of fire protection training. He also received a brief on the 9S100 Special Instruments Training, a program that prepares Airmen for technical roles requiring precision and adaptability in dynamic operational environments.

One of the most significant strides in readiness showcased during the visit was the Joint All-Domain Expeditionary Forward Operations Readiness Generation Exercise. Quinn observed how the 17th TRW utilizes JADE FORGE as a simulated high-stakes operational capstone. During the capstone, students use the knowledge gained throughout their courses to make split-second decisions in austere environments.

Goodfellow hosts AETC deputy commander: Demonstrating readiness and adaptability

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Clerk Quinn, Air Education and Training Command deputy commander, learns about the newest technology at 17th Training Support Squadron’s Instructional Technology Unit during a visit to Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 17, 2024. ITU aims to keep Airmen informed and mission-ready as they transition to their operational units. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)

The tour continued at the 17th Training Support Squadron, where Quinn saw how the 17th Training Group leverages virtual reality to enhance classroom teachings and play a critical role in developing future warfighters. The tour then transitioned to a briefing about the intelligence training squadrons that are responsible for equipping Airmen with the analytical and technical skills needed to dominate in information warfare.

Throughout his visit, Quinn engaged with Airmen across the base. He commended them for their dedication to mission success and readiness no matter their reason for joining, emphasizing that everyone plays a vital role in preparing the Air Force for the next fight.

Goodfellow hosts AETC deputy commander: Demonstrating readiness and adaptability

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Clerk Quinn, Air Education and Training Command deputy commander, coins Capt. Michelle Leigh, 17th Training Wing judge advocate, during a visit to Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 17, 2024. Quinn engaged with Airmen across the base, commending them for their dedication to mission success and readiness, emphasizing that everyone plays a vital role in preparing the Air Force for the next fight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)

Goodfellow hosts AETC deputy commander: Demonstrating readiness and adaptability

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Clerk Quinn, Air Education and Training Command deputy commander, talks with Lt. Col. Branden DeLong, 312th Training Squadron commander, during a tour at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 17, 2024. Quinn learned how the 312th TRS trains, develops and inspires warriors to deliver fire emergency services and nuclear treaty monitoring for the Department of Defense and our international partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)

Goodfellow hosts AETC deputy commander: Demonstrating readiness and adaptability

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Clerk Quinn, Air Education and Training Command deputy commander, sits with 17th Training Wing leadership during the wing mission brief at the Norma Brown Building during a visit to Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 17, 2024. The wing mission brief introduces visitors to each of the groups and squadrons that fall under the 17th TRW, including geographically separated units, and explains how their operations support the 17th TRW’s mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)