News

461st ACW gets new leadership

  • Published
  • By Lynsey Sanderson
  • 461st Air Control Wing intern
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Col. L. Dean Worley, the first 461st Air Control Wing commander, relinquished command to Col. Henry Cyr, former 461st ACW vice commander, Tuesday during a ceremony at the Museum of Aviation.

Maj. Gen. H.D. Polumbo Jr., 9th Air Force commander, presided.

"The change of command ceremony and what it stands for is America at its best," said Polumbo.

"What you are witnessing, the passing of command from one leader to another is a testament to the strengths of our military and we expect our commanders to lead with pride and professionalism," he said.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to command at the 461st, said Worley. "Not only facing the challenge of activating a new wing while engaging in combat in the Middle East but also simultaneously delivering capabilities around the world in the highest JSTARS tempo in the 22-year history.

"We could not do that without the commitment and sacrifice of our airman because they are significant."

Cyr agreed.

"Having been in JSTARS for more than 15 years, this is truly one of the most exciting times to be in JSTARS. We can showcase the capability of our platform all around the world and I am fortunate to stay here and be around the people in this wing for it is truly a blessing," said Cyr.

As the commander, Cyr is responsible for the worldwide employment of the E8-C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System. The wing trains and deploys combat mission ready aircraft, aircrews and support to designated theaters of operation, and conducts sustained combat operations to provide uninterrupted command, control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of combatant commanders.

Did you know
In other "firsts" at the wing this week, Col. David E. Foote, the first 461st Maintenance Group commander, relinquished command to Col. Kelly Scott; and Lt. Col. Gerald G. Gallegos, the first 461st Maintenance Squadron commander, relinquished command to Maj. Dave Ilgenfritz.