Beale Air Force Base

9th Reconnaissance Wing Change of Command

Members of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, local civic leaders, friends and family of the outgoing and incoming commanders attend the 9th RW change of command ceremony at Beale Air Force Base, California, June 17, 2026. A change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that symbolizes the transfer of authority and responsibility between commanders while ensuring the continued execution of Beale’s mission to deliver persistent, integrated reconnaissance and combat power for the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Chen)

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9th Reconnaissance Wing Change of Command

The Sixteenth Air Force and 9th Reconnaissance Wing heraldic emblems rest against the stage during the 9th RW change of command ceremony at Beale Air Force Base, California, June 17, 2026. The passing of the guidon is rooted in military tradition and symbolizes the formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commander to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Pentzer)

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9th Reconnaissance Wing Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, commander of the Sixteenth Air Force, exchanges salutes Col. Geoffrey Cameron, 9th Reconnaissance Wing incoming commander, during the 9th RW change of command ceremony at Beale Air Force Base, California, June 17, 2026. The passing of the guidon is rooted in military tradition and symbolizes the formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commander to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Pentzer)

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9th Reconnaissance Wing Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, commander of the Sixteenth Air Force, transfers the 9th Reconnaissance Wing guidon staff to Col. Geoffrey Cameron, 9th RW incoming commander, during the 9th RW change of command ceremony at Beale Air Force Base, California, June 17, 2026. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commander to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Pentzer)

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9th Reconnaissance Wing Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, commander of the Sixteenth Air Force receives the 9th Reconnaissance Wing guidon staff from Col. Keagan McLeese, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander, during the 9th RW change of command ceremony at Beale Air Force Base, California, June 17, 2026. McLeese relinquished leadership of the 9th RW after years of service as commander, introducing Cameron as his successor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Pentzer)

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9th Reconnaissance Wing Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, commander of the Sixteenth Air Force salutes Col. Keagan McLeese, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander, during the 9th RW change of command ceremony at Beale Air Force Base, California, June 17, 2026. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commander to another.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Pentzer)

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9th Reconnaissance Wing Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Col. Keagan McLeese, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander, gives remarks during the 9th RW change of command ceremony at Beale Air Force Base, California, June 17, 2026. Change of command ceremonies symbolize the formal transfer of authority, responsibility and accountability from one commander to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Pentzer)

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9th Reconnaissance Wing Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, commander of the Sixteenth Air Force, presents the Gallant Unit Citation to Col. Keagan McLeese, the 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander, during the 9th RW change of command ceremony at Beale Air Force Base, California, June 17, 2026. Rooted in military tradition dating back to the Roman era, change of command ceremonies symbolize the formal transfer of authority and responsibility while reinforcing continuity of leadership, mission readiness and trust within the unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Pentzer)

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9th Reconnaissance Wing Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, commander of the Sixteenth Air Force, gives remarks during the 9th Reconnaissance Wing change of command ceremony at Beale Air Force Base, California, June 17, 2026. Change of command ceremonies symbolize the formal transfer of authority, responsibility and accountability from one commander to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Pentzer)

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9th Reconnaissance Wing Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, commander of the Sixteenth Air Force, Col. Keagan McLeese, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander, Col. Charles Cameron, 9th RW incoming commander and Chief Master Sgt. Steven Creek, 9th RW command chief, attend the 9th RW change of command ceremony at Beale Air Force Base, California, June 17, 2026. Rooted in military tradition dating back to the Roman era, change of command ceremonies symbolize the formal transfer of authority and responsibility while reinforcing continuity of leadership, mission readiness and trust within the unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexis Pentzer)

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9th Reconnaissance Wing Change of Command

Published June 17, 2026
By 9th Reconnaissance Wing
9th Reconnaissance Wing

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --

The 9th Reconnaissance Wing hosted a change of command ceremony June 17, 2026, welcoming Col. Charles G. Cameron as the new wing commander.

During the ceremony, Cameron assumed command from the outgoing commander, Col. Keagan L. McLeese. The event was presided over by Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, Commander, Sixteenth Air Force.

"To the men and women of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, every single task you accomplish ripples outward to guarantee the safety and sovereignty of the United States of America," Hensley said while addressing the wing.

Cameron takes command with extensive, direct experience leading Beale’s operations. A command pilot with more than 4,350 flying hours - including over 1,100 combat hours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He previously commanded the 99th Expeditionary Squadron and most recently the 9th Operations Group, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership for the installation.

"This base, these Airmen, and this community are woven into the very fabric of my being," Cameron said. "To be able to continue serving here is an honor of a lifetime."

McLeese commanded the 9th Reconnaissance Wing since July 2024. During his tenure, he led approximately 7,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel. He also oversaw the Air Force’s entire high-altitude reconnaissance fleet of U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft, operating across four global locations in support of all six geographic combatant commanders.

"The 9th Reconnaissance Wing is there; we are always watching... and Colonel Cameron is going to take this well into the future,” McLeese said during his final remarks to the wing. "Hail Dragons!"

For further questions, please contact the 9 RW/PA office at 530-634-8887 or via email at 9rw.pa@us.af.mil.