During the holiday season, it is appropriate for us to reflect on the year that has passed and consider our accomplishments. 2011 has been an excellent year for Team Hill and I know you will find satisfaction in what you've achieved. Let's take a moment to recall some of those accomplishments.
I appreciate your hard work supporting Air Force Materiel Command's top priorities. We've had a great year and received many positive comments on our support to the Nuclear Enterprise, mostly the ICBM mission. In my trips to 20th Air Force and the three ICBM wings, I watched our major customers enjoy the benefits of our efforts to strengthen the ICBM leg of our nation's strategic triad.
Looking forward to 2012, our Air Force leadership continues to highlight the nuclear deterrence mission as our top priority. I'm confident the ICBM sustainment partners here at Team Hill are up to that challenge. We will also focus on continued improvements that will make the Ogden ALC a world class maintenance, repair and overhaul facility and we will effectively partner with Air Force Global Losgistics Supply Center to make that happen. In addition, we will build the foundation for our F-35 workload when we induct our first aircraft for post-production modification in late 2012. Lastly, we all face unsettling times as we execute a major AFMC reorganization and are asked to carry on our mission with fewer resources. While I won't oversimplify these challenges by suggesting the way ahead will be easy, I will tell you we have faced these challenges before and we still continued to deliver war-winning capabilities to our war-fighters. I have full confidence in your ability to deliver the same professional results in 2012.
During the holidays, as you gather with family and friends, I ask that you take time to remember those who are deployed. There are approximately 38,000 Airmen deployed around the globe supporting our combatant commanders. Approximately 400 of these Airmen are from Hill AFB. Their family and friends celebrate with an empty chair this year as their loved one is off defending our great country from those who seek to do us harm. Please remember these service members and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
Finally, before you travel this holiday season, please take stock in your own safety. Be mindful of the risks in traveling through hazardous weather conditions. Assess fatigue, weather and stress in yourself and others. If you choose to drink alcohol, designate a driver to ensure everyone arrives home safely. It is always better to arrive late to a destination, than to arrive injured or not at all. If you plan to take part in the myriad of winter recreational activities in our area, I implore you to plan ahead. Consider the risks and put in place plans to keep you safe and prepared for the worst. I also ask you to be extra vigilant in watching your wingman during the holidays. Keep in contact with them and ensure they are well emotionally, physically, spiritually and socially. Do everything in your power to keep you, your family, your wingman and your friends safe.
2011 has been a great year for Team Hill -- our accomplishments have been significant and I believe we are focusing on the right things. I look forward to working side by side with you to make 2012 even better and wish you and your families a Happy Holiday season.
