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New commander takes reigns of 379th AEW

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tim Jenkins
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Southwest Asia --  "We, this Grand Slam Wing, will make every effort to keep airpower overhead and on time to ensure that supported commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan have what they need when they need it. Our measure of success depends on how the supported commanders define how well we did in meeting their requirements."

That was the challenge given to the men and women of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing by Brig. Gen. Randy Kee as he assumed command from Brig. Gen. Stephen Wilson in a change of command ceremony at the CC Theater here July 1.

"... We and this incoming class of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, will passionately strive to continue and build upon the great work of (General Wilson) and preceding 379th AEW command teams to provide unrivaled airpower to fight and prevail in the two wars we are currently engaged, robustly support our mission partners here, and service respectful and honoring guests of our host nation."

Lt. Gen. Gilmary Hostage III, U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander, presided over the ceremony, thanking General Wilson for a job well done, and welcoming General Kee to the crossroads of the Middle East. He also thanked the members of the 379th for their service.

"Your service allows the citizens of the United States and its coalition partners the luxury of freedom; the ability to live their lives in peace and security," said General Hostage. "Your courage and steadfast service in the face of extremely unsettled times fills me with tremendous pride. You are all in the forefront of my mind every day and it is with complete confidence that I leave you in the very capable hands of General Randy Kee."

General Kee arrives from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where he served as the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center vice commander.

"To the commanders, chiefs, and men and women of the Grand Slam Wing, it is a privilege and honor beyond measure to have been appointed to serve as your commander. To the best of my ability, I will endeavor to serve with passion, humility, courage and respect."

General Kee received his commission from the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Oregon State University in 1985. He has served as a B-52 navigator and C-130 pilot, and has flown multiple combat missions in support of operations in Southwest Asia, the Balkans and Afghanistan. He is a command pilot and previously qualified navigator with more than 4,300 flight hours, including 330 in combat.

During the ceremony, General Kee thanked General Wilson for his leadership over the past year.

"Brigadier General Wilson, please accept my enduring appreciation for a year of exceptional leadership of the Grand Slam Wing. You have set an enviable standard of leadership of the Grand Slam Wing."

General Kee also expressed his thanks to distinguished members of the government and armed forces of the host nation.

"It is an honor and a privilege to lead the Grand Slam Wing while we serve as guests in your great country," he said. "I genuinely look forward to learning from you and building on our partnerships."

General Wilson departs for an assignment at the Pentagon, where he will serve as director, Joint Integration, Directorate of Operational Capability Requirements.