Retired Nov. 1, 2005
Gen. John P. Jumper is Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. as Chief, he serves as the senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training and equipage of more than 700,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the general and other service chiefs function as military advisers to the Secretary of Defense, National Security Council and the President.
Gen. John Jumper Photo Copyright © USAF
Note: This is the original introduction and foreword especially written by General John Jumper for the companion book and exhibition of the Cleared Hot! Photography Collection.
- "Cleared Hot!"- This is a story about Airmen".
by General (Retired) John P. Jumper, Chief Of Staff for the U.S. Airforce
In this photographic essay Nicholas Price has assembled in words and pictures a glimpse into the lives of men and women who serve in the greatest Air Force on the planet.
It is the greatest because of the Airmen you will meet in this essay. You will see images of pride and commitment, courage and honor, integrity and valor.
On the faces of every Airman you will see something else - the satisfaction that accompanies being devoted to something bigger than yourself.
For many years the Airmen assigned to Nellis Air Force Base have been responsible for setting the highest standards of combat capability, both in the air and on the ground.
You will enjoy a glimpse into the heart of our Nation's most demanding aerial combat exercise, Red Flag. For more than 30 years Red Flag has been the standard by which all other exercises are measured. I am proud to have flown in the very first Red Flag exercise when I was a young Captain in 1975, and in many Red Flags over the years including the 25th anniversary Red Flag in 2000 when I commanded Air Combat Command. More than 30 nations around the world have sent their air forces to Nellis to train with the best at Red Flag.
You will get a special look into the world of Unmanned Air Vehicles as you see the men and women of the 11 Reconnaissance Squadron and the UAV Battle Lab train and perfect this new and rapidly emerging form of warfare in the modern age.
You will learn that the Airman's work is not always in the air as you see the warriors of the 99th Ground Combat Training Squadron training our security forces to meet the entire spectrum of threats from around the world.
Finally, you meet many of the women who make up 20 per cent of our Air Force and see how the mission doesn't get done without them.
The foundation of our superiority in the air, in space, on the ground, and in cyberspace has developed in the classrooms, in the skies, on the ranges and on the flight line at Nellis. You'll see them all through the talent of Nicholas Price. His own passion has captured the devotion and sincerity etched in the faces of Airmen at work as well as the pride of Airmen who know that their work has been done well.
These are images that will be meaningful to every American who loves their country and are grateful for the remarkable men and women who serve.
Look deep into the faces you see and you will understand how fortunate we are to have these Airmen serving our nation, giving so much and asking so little. Yes, this is a story about Airmen.
Enjoy it.
