SecAF visits Wright-Patterson Published April 3, 2015 By Amy Rollins Skywrighter Staff WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James visited Wright-Patterson Air Force Base March 26 to get a firsthand look at various missions and to deliver the commencement address at the Air Force Institute of Technology graduation. This was James' second visit to the base since she became the Secretary of the Air Force in 2013. The secretary started her visit in various directorates within the Air Force Research Laboratory to get a first-hand look at the diverse research taking place here. From advanced turbine engine technology at the Aerospace Systems Directorate to wearable sensors at the 711th Human Performance Wing, James said the work being done is critical for the Air Force to deliver air, space and cyberspace superiority for the nation. After having lunch with Airmen from across Wright-Patterson AFB, the secretary addressed Airmen from various units throughout the base during an All-Call. The secretary stated that today's Air Force is the smallest, oldest and busiest it has ever been. To manage these challenges, she focuses on her top three priorities, which are: taking care of people; balancing the readiness of today and the modernization for tomorrow; and making every dollar count. Every great organization is fueled by people and that's why taking care of Airmen is her first priority. James heard Airmen's concerns about the effects of downsizing and there will be no additional involuntary separations this year. In addition to having the right number of people James referred to a recent memorandum from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh and herself that outlines nine initiatives related to workforce diversity thus ensuring the Air Force is attracting and retaining the right individuals to make us competitive into the future. The unpredictability of current events around the world reinforces the importance of James' second priority -- readiness and modernization. Ensuring Airmen are trained and ready to respond to whatever is asked of them is nonnegotiable. Funding the wide range of readiness and modernization programs to include flying hours, upgrading range infrastructure and training is essential. Her third priority is being implemented across the Air Force. Airmen are encouraged to share their ideas about how to be more effective or efficient when conducting their missions up the chain of command to help make every dollar count. James highlighted an idea submitted by Maj. John Kim, Optometry Flight commander, 88th Medical Group, that proposed a change to scheduling eye exams for low-risk diabetic patients from yearly to every two years, saving money across the Air Force. She concluded her all call by thanking Airmen for maintaining such a pace while working extremely hard to protect the nation's interests.