New mission statement: simple, to the point Published Sept. 26, 2008 By Brig. Gen. Susan Helms 45th SW commander PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- "The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win ... in air, in space and cyberspace." Our new mission statement, announced by Acting Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Donley and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz is simple. To the Point. Spot on. We were also reminded that as we do the mission of the Air Force that we are a major player in the national security of the United States and are adapting our force to keep pace with a rapidly changing world. Acting Secretary Donley said it best last week, as he addressed the Air Force Association's 24th Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition, in Washington, D.C. "We need to understand not just who we are, but who we are becoming. We are not only operators of aerospace platforms delivering people, cargo, and weapons," Mr. Donley said. "We are also providers of a tremendous capability for command and control of the air and space picture and operators of systems and networks that facilitate joint warfighting, and help to integrate many dimensions of national power. All Airmen, in every functional specialty and discipline, are contributing," he said. He was talking about professionals like the men and women who serve us here at the 45th Space Wing, and around the world in harm's way. Let's keep them close to our hearts and in our prayers, and take special care of the families they left behind and are longing to hold. As of now, the Air Force has more than 34,000 of its Airmen deployed to world-wide contingencies, with more than 26,000 Airmen deployed to 63 locations across the Middle East. More will continue to serve now and in the future, , including some of the 70+ Airmen from Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force station. You or a loved one could be one of them, and it is our job and responsibility to ensure we are well-prepared and trained should that call come. Regardless of where you serve and what role you play in the Air Force, I challenge you to do something that makes your unit better off than it was before you were there. By doing that, you will make our great institution even better than it is today. As you do that, it is useful to remember that "Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do" is the foundation for all that we do. Thanks for the great work you continue to do. Go Sharks!