Ninth Air Force welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Currier
  • Ninth Air Force Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Ninth Air Force has a new leader.

Maj. Gen. Jake Polumbo took command of Ninth Air Force from Maj. Gen. Larry Wells during a change of command ceremony here May 31, 2013.

"I've followed General Wells three times now in command," Polumbo said. "Each time, he's done a superb handover. I know I'm inheriting an organization 'flying in perfect formation' with flawless execution."

Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., presided over the ceremony.

"When called upon, Ninth Air Force Airmen always answer with vigor and unmatched professionalism. I know you and Sandra are the right team to lead these Airmen," said Hostage to General and Mrs. Polumbo during the ceremony.

Ninth Air Force comprises eight active-duty wings and three direct reporting units across the United States with more than 400 aircraft and 29,000 active-duty and civilian personnel. Ninth Air Force is also responsible for the operational readiness of 16 Air Reserve Component wings.

Polumbo is the fourth commander to take the organization's helm since its activation, Aug. 5, 2009. He is a command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, including combat sorties in Operation Northern Watch. He is also the first Air Force general officer to fly the U-2S in combat; he completed 21 operational U-2 missions in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The general is also qualified in piloting the MC-12W. He takes over Ninth Air Force after serving as the deputy commander-air to U.S. Forces-Afghanistan.

Addressing the Airmen, civil servants, civic leaders and family members in attendance, the new Ninth Air Force commander shared his thoughts.

"There is obviously a lot of uncertainty at our military bases these days," Polumbo said. "I feel very confident that we'll overcome these challenges and remain the most powerful military in the world in order to protect and defend our country and our way of life."

Wells is retiring after serving 35 years in the Air Force. His retirement ceremony immediately followed the change of command.

"We wish you well as you make the transition from the protector to the protected," Hostage told Wells.

"You have a wonderful force you are inheriting," Wells said to Polumbo. "Their work is flawless."