Airmen demonstrated their operational capabilities, including the high-altitude U-2 Dragon Lady and the missions of tenant units such as the 940th Air Refueling Wing and the 548th ISR Group. Allvin used the visit to highlight the critical national security role of Beale and to reaffirm the Air Force’s commitment to its mission and personnel.
A key event during the visit was an all-call, where Allvin addressed a full hangar of Airmen on topics such as future priorities, combat readiness and strategic innovation. He underlined the importance of bold leadership and adaptability, stating, “This demands open-mindedness and a willingness to break from the comfortable or familiar.”
Allvin spotlighted the development of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) as a major turning point for the Air Force. “CCA represent one of the most exciting developments in our Air Force,” he said. “They are an opportunity to transform how we work, fight and sustain capabilities.”
He praised Beale for its pioneering role in the combat wing concept, crediting Col. Keagan McLeese, commander of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, and the team for their work on the 25.1 Expeditionary Air Base deployment. Allvin noted their efforts in co-creating the curriculum that will guide future combat wings across the service.
“I didn’t come here to deliver a message. I came here to say thank you,” said Allvin. “You’re not just ready — you are leading. You are teaching the rest of us what right looks like. I couldn’t be more proud of what I’ve seen at Beale and all the team here has accomplished.”
Throughout the day, Allvin toured operational centres across the base, including the Battle Management Control Squadron and the Common Mission Control Center. He was briefed on preparations for the future of high-altitude ISR and the potential integration of new missions such as CCA.
The itinerary included a visit to the Air Force Combat Ammunition Center (AFCOMAC), which plays a strategic role in munitions planning, production and joint-force integration. Allvin participated in assembling a live GBU-31v3 bomb alongside instructors, gaining hands-on insight into the centre’s contribution to global combat readiness.
Lt. Col. William Hinchey, commander of the 9th Munitions Squadron, highlighted the dedication of personnel at AFCOMAC. “Our Airmen at AFCOMAC are driving innovation, demonstrating incredible grit and providing exceptional leadership,” he said. “They are the most impressive Airmen I’ve had the privilege to work with, and we are proud to be a vital resource increasing global force lethality.”
Allvin also met with support personnel and community leaders at Beale’s fire station, listening to feedback and recognising the wide array of roles essential to mission success. Meanwhile, his wife Gina Allvin joined Dottie McLeese, spouse of the 9th RW commander, in touring family-focused programmes addressing spouse employment, childcare, housing and Airmen well-being.
“We’re just so grateful to be able to show Beale and its uniqueness,” said Dottie McLeese. “Not everybody gets this opportunity to have CSAF come, and we consider it a huge privilege to also get to show off the support side of things. It’s been great.”
Reflecting on the visit’s impact, McLeese underscored the pride and morale it brought to the base. “We’re proud of what our Airmen accomplish every day and grateful for the opportunity to show our senior leaders the depth and impact of team Beale’s mission,” she said. “This visit was a reminder that the future of ISR is here, and it’s being led by the innovative Airmen at Beale.”
Source: U.S. Air Force.
