Col. Douglas Lee takes command of 9th Reconnaissance Wing

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Col. Douglas Lee took command of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing from Col. Phil Stewart during a change of command ceremony here May 30.

Lt. Gen. Tod Wolters, 12th Air Force commander (Air Forces Southern), was the presiding official and said that Lee was hand-picked to be the wing's newest commander.

"Col. Lee brings with him 22 years of experience and a tradition of success," Wolters said. "I truly believe that Team Beale is getting the absolutely best person for the job."

Lee thanked Wolters for the opportunity to lead Team Beale.

"I'm proud to join this long tradition of reconnaissance, which is the oldest and the most important mission of air power," Lee said. "I look forward to working with all of you as we take the wing forward."

Wolters also spoke of the departing commander's outstanding leadership and performance during Stewart's two year tour as the 9th RW commander.

"He's been a brilliant leader and relentless in achieving success," Wolters said. "In the past two years this wing has flown more than 180,000 combat hours supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as achieving an excellent rating during the wing's last inspection."

Following his remarks, Wolters presented Stewart with the Legion of Merit. The citation read that under Stewart's leadership the 9th Reconnaissance Wing flew more than 57,000 combat sorties and more than 181,000 combat hours while archiving a 97 percent mission effectiveness rate.

The out-going commander expressed his appreciation for his Airmen and thanked all members of Team Beale for their contributions, sacrifices and continued support.

"To the men and women of Team Beale, it truly was an honor and a privilege to serve as your wing commander," said Stewart. "I've have never met a more dedicated group of Airmen."

Stewart was then rendered a final salute by his wing as part of a military tradition and sign of respect for out-going commanders.

Lee congratulated Stewart for the wing's excellent performance and outstanding reputation.

"As I look out at the team you've built, I see the flagship of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations," Lee said. "I'm deeply humbled and honored to be leading this team and will do everything in my power to be worthy of them."

Col. Douglas Lee takes command of 9th Reconnaissance Wing

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Col. Douglas Lee took command of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing from Col. Phil Stewart during a change of command ceremony here May 30.

Lt. Gen. Tod Wolters, 12th Air Force commander (Air Forces Southern), was the presiding official and said that Lee was hand-picked to be the wing's newest commander.

"Col. Lee brings with him 22 years of experience and a tradition of success," Wolters said. "I truly believe that Team Beale is getting the absolutely best person for the job."

Lee thanked Wolters for the opportunity to lead Team Beale.

"I'm proud to join this long tradition of reconnaissance, which is the oldest and the most important mission of air power," Lee said. "I look forward to working with all of you as we take the wing forward."

Wolters also spoke of the departing commander's outstanding leadership and performance during Stewart's two year tour as the 9th RW commander.

"He's been a brilliant leader and relentless in achieving success," Wolters said. "In the past two years this wing has flown more than 180,000 combat hours supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as achieving an excellent rating during the wing's last inspection."

Following his remarks, Wolters presented Stewart with the Legion of Merit. The citation read that under Stewart's leadership the 9th Reconnaissance Wing flew more than 57,000 combat sorties and more than 181,000 combat hours while archiving a 97 percent mission effectiveness rate.

The out-going commander expressed his appreciation for his Airmen and thanked all members of Team Beale for their contributions, sacrifices and continued support.

"To the men and women of Team Beale, it truly was an honor and a privilege to serve as your wing commander," said Stewart. "I've have never met a more dedicated group of Airmen."

Stewart was then rendered a final salute by his wing as part of a military tradition and sign of respect for out-going commanders.

Lee congratulated Stewart for the wing's excellent performance and outstanding reputation.

"As I look out at the team you've built, I see the flagship of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations," Lee said. "I'm deeply humbled and honored to be leading this team and will do everything in my power to be worthy of them."