Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier visited Air Combat Command at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Sept. 9, to gain a deeper understanding of how ACC headquarters trains and develops air combat forces for U.S. warfighting commanders.
The visit provided Lohmeier with insights into how ACC is developing the next generation of warfighters, focusing on areas outlined by the commander of ACC, Gen. Adrian Spain: readiness across all domains, warfighting excellence, adaptation to strategic environments, modernization and empowering leadership.
Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier speaks with Gen. Adrian Spain, commander of Air Combat Command, during an ACC immersion tour at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 9, 2025. Lohmeier used the visit to gain a deeper understanding of how ACC headquarters trains and develops air combat forces for U.S. warfighting commanders and how ACC headquarters is developing the next generation of warfighters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Taryn Onyon)
"The heart of airpower lies at ACC and readiness is vital to our success," Spain said. "Our mission isn't to meet the standard, but to set it. Every day, in every domain, we must strive to be a little better than we were yesterday - sharper, more adaptable, and more ready to deter, defend and decisively win, whatever the challenge."
Lohmeier, a pilot with more than 1,200 flight hours, emphasized the need for warfighters to possess the capabilities and knowledge to succeed in any domain.
"Air and spacepower are the bedrock of every national security option," Lohmeier said. "As under secretary, one of my top priorities is building an Air Force ready to deter aggression and decisively win. This requires more than just advanced technology; it demands a laser focus on training the skillset that will make us lethal."
To further understand the needs of ACC's warfighters, Lohmeier gained insight into how Air Force's warfighters are preparing for any future conflict.
"Readiness is our non-negotiable foundation," Spain said. "It's not enough to simply have the capabilities; we must own them, master them, and be confidently ready to deploy them at a moment's notice. This includes not just steel and silicon, but also the strength and spirit of our airmen and families."
Beyond equipment and training policies, Lohmeier recognized airmen from ACC who are exceeding expectations to ensure the command is prepared for future challenges.
"Air Combat Command's strength lies in its Airmen," Lohmeier said. "We must empower leaders at all levels to make rapid, informed decisions, fostering a culture of trust and accountability. By persistently developing our warfighter's integrity and excellence, we will continue building a confident and resilient force."
Lohmeier's visit allowed Air Combat Command headquarters staff to highlight their unwavering commitment to warfighting excellence, emphasizing that ACC efforts are positioned to deter, defend, project and win.
