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9th Air Force welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Currier
  • 9th Air Force/U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells took command of 9th Air Force from Maj. Gen. Stephen Hoog during an official change of command ceremony here Oct. 17, 2011.

General Wells is the third commander to take the 9th Air Force's helm since the organization's activation, Aug. 5, 2009.

"As we say goodbye to the Hoogs, we are privileged to be gaining another first-class team in Larry and Kathy Wells," said Gen. Mike Hostage commander, Air Combat Command, Joint Langley-Eustis, Va., who presided over the ceremony.

"I know you and Kathy are the right combat-proven leadership team to lead these amazing, resilient warriors and their families," Hostage told General and Mrs. Wells while speaking at the ceremony.

Approximately 300 people, service members, civil servants, community leaders, and their families attended the 45-minute ceremony. A formation of 9th Air Force Airmen remained on the floor in front of the ceremony stage throughout the event, representing members of the organization's seven active-duty wings.

"I will continue to build upon the close relationships that (General Hoog) already established with our good friends and neighbors here in Sumter," said Wells, who has been stationed at Shaw twice in the past. "While there are challenges ahead, there are an even greater number of opportunities for the command. We must meet the opportunities and challenges of the command together."

Wells served as the deputy chief of staff for the United Nations Command and U.S.Forces Korea, Yongsan Army Garrison, South Korea, before taking the 9th Air Force helm. He was also the United States' representative on the UNC Military Armistice Commission, leading general officer talks between the UNC and the North Korean Army, and interacting with UNC liaison groups from 19 nations prior to taking charge of 9th Air Force.

"To the warriors of 9th Air Force, I've got two priorities: the people and the mission," General Wells said. "My pledge is simple; take care of our people, and make a difference in their lives."

The 9th Air Force controls ACC fighter forces located primarily along the East Coast. It is responsible for overseeing the management of seven flying wings and two direct reporting units. The organization is also charged with ensuring the operational readiness of 13 Air Reserve Component wings.

General Hoog, who is selected for promotion to lieutenant general, is set to become commander, Alaskan Command, United States Pacific Command; commander 11th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces; and commander, Alaskan North American Defense Region, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

"Congratulations, and welcome back to Shaw," General Hoog said to General and Mrs. Wells during the ceremony. "The Air Force could not have found a better team to take this command to the next level."