Wilsbach’s Message to the Force on Iran: ‘We Need You Ready’

In a rare letter to the entire force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach is telling Airmen to stay ready to support Operation Epic Fury, the massive U.S. operation against Iran.

Wilsbach’s letter, released March 6, marks just the second public force-wide message of his tenure, following his initial message shortly after swearing into the job in November.

In this latest letter, Wilsbach argues that Epic Fury “demonstrates the unmatched reach, capacity, and lethality of the United States Air Force.”

“Right now, Airmen are taking the fight straight to the adversary,” he added. “We are unleashing American airpower as an overwhelming force, destroying any and all enemy targets. When we fight, we control the skies, crush the opposition, and get the job done.”

The U.S. has amassed a huge amount of airpower in Europe and the Middle East for its war against Iran, to include every bomber and fighter type in the USAF fleet plus support aircraft. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said last week that the combined weight of U.S. and Israeli strikes has degraded Iran’s air defenses to the point that the U.S. has achieved air superiority in the southern part of the country, setting the table for strikes further inland.

Strikes continue, with nearly a dozen bombers arriving in Europe in recent days to prepare for more operations.

How long the conflict may last remains unclear. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has suggested in interviews and press conferences that U.S. operations to date are “only just the beginning.” On March 9, President Donald Trump said he thought the conflict was “very complete, pretty much” and “very far ahead of schedule.”

Regardless, Wilsbach told Airmen to be prepared for anything.

“Physical, mental, spiritual and unit readiness are imperative,” he said. “Stay vigilant and prepared. Take care of yourselves and your Wingmen.”

Readiness has been the watchword of Wilsbach’s tenure as CSAF, covering everything from more flying hours for aviators, extra spare parts for maintainers, and physical fitness testing changes.

Wilsbach’s Full Letter to the Force

Airmen,

         Over the past few days, Operation Epic Fury has shown the world exactly what Airmen are capable of. When the nation calls, you deliver. This major combat operation demonstrates the unmatched reach, capacity, and lethality of the United States Air Force.

         Right now, Airmen are taking the fight straight to the adversary. We are unleashing American airpower as an overwhelming force, destroying any and all enemy targets. When we fight, we control the skies, crush the opposition, and get the job done. We will dominate and win.

         Adversaries are finding out the hard way what happens when they challenge us. They see disciplined teams operating at the highest level. They see a force that seized the advantage and continues to punish its enemy from the skies. They see an unrelenting Air Force never slowing the pace of attack. They see Airmen that will never stop short of victory.

         Airmen are our most important and powerful weapon, and we need you ready to fight. Physical, mental, spiritual and unit readiness are imperative. Stay vigilant and prepared. Take care of yourselves and your Wingmen. We are grateful for our families, who bear a unique and demanding role yet continually demonstrate uncommon resilience and strength.

         I am proud of our Commanders and the incredible, devoted Airmen who are enabling the joint team to fight and win. We have more work to do – stay sharp. Fight’s On!