15th Air Force command team visits Moody Air Force Base to connect with redeployed Airmen

Maj. Gen. Steven Behmer, 15th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Nikki Drago, 15th Air Force command chief, visited Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Oct. 29, 2026, to engage with redeployed Airmen and discuss how lessons learned throughout the deployment cycle can strengthen readiness and improve future mission execution.

The visit provided Airmen across the wing an opportunity to share their deployment experiences, operational challenges and personal feedback directly with senior leaders. These engagements help leaders understand the demands Airmen face downrange and identify opportunities to translate operational improvements that strengthen the force’s ability to generate and sustain combat power.

“Some of the most valuable lessons come from the Airmen who are closest to the mission,” Behmer said. “Hearing directly from them helps us understand the challenges they face, recognize what is working and identify where we can improve to ensure our forces are ready for the next deployment.”

Building on these discussions, the 15th Air Force command team met with 23d Wing maintenance Airmen and leadership to better understand their needs and perspective to support the generation and sustainment of combat airpower. Maintainers shared recent deployments stories, providing senior leaders with insight into operational challenges and lessons learned.

One of the biggest lessons learned downrange is the importance of staying trained and ready. Repetition builds confidence and helps Airmen do the jobs when it matters most.

Applying these insights to future training, preparation and planning, ensures Airmen are equipped to meet mission demands and sustain combat capabilities.

“Having our Airmen share their experiences directly with senior leadership is an important part of building a more capable and prepared force,” said Col. Russell Reese, 23d Wing deputy commander. “The Airmen’s feedback helps us understand what worked, where we faced our challenges and how we can apply those lessons to better prepare our teams for future missions.”

Discussions between leaders and 23d Wing Airmen highlighted the value of incorporating firsthand deployment experiences into senior leader planning and decision-making processes. Feedback from redeploying Airmen provides leaders with a clearer understanding of the training, equipment, resources and processes required to execute missions in deployed environments. By incorporating these perspectives into future decisions, leaders can better align preparation and support with the realities of mission execution.

“Every deployment gives our Airmen experience that cannot be fully replicated in a classroom,” Drago said. “When we listen to their experiences and lessons learned, we can better understand what they need to succeed, recognize their contributions and help prepare the next group of Airmen heading downrange.”

Redeployed Airmen bring back valuable knowledge gained through real-world operations, including insights into team coordination, adapting to changing conditions and overcoming challenges in unfamiliar environments. Providing these insights allows units to identify gaps, refine processes and incorporate operational lessons into future training and deployment preparation, strengthening readiness across the force.

“Training and repetition build the confidence Airmen need to adapt when things don’t go as planned,” Behmer said. “Being prepared means understanding the mission, trusting your training and knowing how to respond when challenges arise. Not every Airman has the same role, but every contribution matter.”

Understanding those executing the mission reinforces a culture of accountability, where lessons learned translate into actionable improvements that strengthen operational effectiveness and ensure the force remains prepared to respond to future mission demands. The visit gave senior leaders an opportunity to hear directly from redeploying Airmen and connect their involvement to the broader readiness of the force. By sharing operational insights and identifying areas for improvement, Airmen contribute to a cycle of continuous learning that strengthens future deployments and advances the Air Force’s ability to generate and sustain combat airpower.

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