16th Air Force Command Chief visits Grand Forks Air Force Base Published May 10, 2024 By Airman 1st Class Anthony Nunez-Pellicer 319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, ND. -- Chief Master Sgt. Robert Hopkins, 16th Air Force command chief, visited, touring the base and spending time with Airmen within squadrons as part of his base orientation here. After the welcome, Hopkins trained on the virtual reality paint booth with319th Aircraft Maintenance Airmen. “It was great to see Airmen creating leadership opportunities, despite the hardships in manpower,” said Hopkins. “The roaring enthusiasm and professionalism of the airmen here is very impressive, especially with how creative and innovated many of their solutions to problems have been.” Hopkins also attended a lunch with fellow chiefs, senior non-commissioned officers and senior enlisted leaders on the first day of his tour, followed by a lunch with non-commissioned officers and Airmen on the second day. Through his time bonding with the Airmen over lunch, Hopkins was able to address many of the Airmen’s concerns, answer questions and provide remarks on what should be, and is, expected of them. Hopkins also visited the 319th Medical Group and fire station, experiencing the life-saving work Airmen on base are expected to perform around the clock, whether on or off-duty. Hopkins’ tour concluded with a one-on-meeting with Chief Master Sgt. Carl Vogel, command chief, 319th Reconnaissance Wing. Shortly after, Chief Hopkins departed the base, expressing his gratitude to 319th RW leadership, airmen and all others who made his visit a more than welcome experience. “Thank you for everything you all do every single day,” said Hopkins. “I’m more than looking forward to the next time I get to come back here and see you all again, keep up the great work!”