ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Brig. Gen. John Kubinec, assumed command of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex from Brig. Gen. Walter Lindsley during a change of command ceremony officiated by Lt. Gen. Lee Levy, Air Force Sustainment Center commander, at the Museum of Aviation Tuesday.
Kubinec, a former Warner Robins Air Logistics Center vice commander, left Robins in 2011 to assume command of the 377th Air Base Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, returns to Robins after serving as Senior Special Assistant to the Commander, United States European Command and Supreme Allied Commander, Headquarters United States European Command, Brussels, Belgium.
“It really is a dream come true for us to be back here again in Middle Georgia to lead this great organization that has given so much for our nation and our Air Force,” said Kubinec, who returns with his family to Robins after a five-year absence.
Growing up in western Pennsylvania with a father who was a sheet metal factory worker, Kubinec said he’s very familiar with the nature of industrial work. Both of his grandfathers worked as coal miners and steel mill workers, which he said instilled in him his strong work ethic and the person he is today.
As the new complex commander, he said his priorities will remain the same as they’ve always been: to focus on our people and the mission, and to continue building a strong partnership with American Federation of Government Employees Local 987.
On aircraft due date performance goals, Kubinec explained that he will stay the course with the system that is currently in place.
In fiscal 2015, it was one of the most productive years than at any other period in the last five years, Kubinec noted. A total of 217 aircraft were produced, evidenced by the ongoing commitment of a skilled workforce of maintenance professionals and management teams.
“The most important thing for this complex and for our mission is to sustain the gains that this team has made over the past few years, to sustain that for the long haul,” Kubinec said. “Our nation needs the products we produce now more than ever. The way we do that is to continue the path that started with Brig. Gen. Cedric George and Brig. Gen. Walter Lindsley, the last two complex commanders. We stay the course we have consistently – the last thing we need to do is change things when they’re working well.
“It’s about delivering combat power for America,” he added. “We have all we need to be the best on the planet.”
Lindsley is headed to the Pentagon as director of logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. During the change of command, Lindsley was awarded the Legion of Merit.