Gebara assumes command of 2 BW

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman La'Shanette V. Garrett
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Col. Andrew Gebara assumed command of the 2nd Bomb Wing from Col. Tim Fay during a change of command ceremony at Hoban Hall on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 14.

Maj. Gen. Stephen Wilson, 8th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony, during which he spoke of Fay's outstanding performance as the 2 BW commander and highlighted the mission for which Gebara will be responsible.

"I don't need to tell anyone what a pivotal roll the 2nd Bomb Wing plays in keeping our nation secure," said Wilson. "When tasked, the 2nd Bomb Wing can literally reach out anywhere across the globe and deliver with impunity. Keeping a large complex team of professionals well trained and well prepared is an enormous task, one that Col. Tim Fay has handled with exceptional skills. Col. Andrew Gebara, welcome and congratulations. Sustaining and improving the 2nd Bomb Wing's vital mission and preparing the next generation of bomber leaders now falls on you."

As the new 2 BW commander, Gebara is responsible for providing B-52 aircraft, aircrew, and associated support personnel and resources to conduct global bomber operational takings. The wing also supports 40 mission partners, including Air Force Global Strike Command Headquarters; 8th Air Force Headquarters, the 307th Bomb Wing and the 917th Fighter Group. He promotes the welfare of more than 10,000 military and civilian personnel, 6,200 family members and 25,000 retirees.

"The challenge to any great leader is to manage change while continuing to improve mission and people, continuing excellence despite any change," said Wilson addressing Gebara. "You are exactly the right leader with the right experience and skills to continue to take the 2nd Bomb Wing and make it the best bomb wing on the planet. Command...there is nothing like it. It is only entrusted to a select few and today we entrust command of the 2nd Bomb Wing Mighty Deuce to you. My charge to you is to continue to set the example, setting high standards, a command climate that relentlessly pursues mission improvement and people focus."

The change of command ceremony represents a visible means of handing the reins of command to the new commander. The passing of command is deeply rooted in military tradition and history pre-dating the Norman conquest of England. As the wing flag is exchanged, it represents the responsibility of the unit being surrendered and accepted.

The ceremony itself is simple and direct. The departing commander face the presiding officer, salutes and states, "Sir, I relinquish command." He then steps aside and the new commander talks his place before the presiding officer. He accepts the flag and states, "Sir, I assume command," returns the flag and salutes. Eight words are spoken in all; in those eight words is an ending and a new beginning.

After assuming command, Gebara thanked special guests, family and friends for attending and supporting him in his career before making his commitment to members of 2 BW.

"Men and women of the 2nd Bomb Wing, you've served with distinction all over the world," said Gebara. "Your accomplishments have been impressive. I pledge to you that my efforts will be second to none. Removing what mission obstacles I can and helping develop you into the best Airmen you can become. Thank you in advance for your commitment and courage in meeting the challenges we face. It is an honor serving with each of you and those you lead. Now lets go get it done together."

Gebara, a Highland, Calif. native, entered the Air Force in 1991 after commissioning through the United States Naval Academy. A veteran of four campaigns, he has served tours of duty with the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, as well as two deployments serving on the multi-national personal staff of the commander, International Security Assistance Force, Kabul, Afghanistan.

Most recently, Gebara served as the vice commander of the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. He is a command pilot with more than 3,400 hours flown, including 46 combat sorties in the A-10, B-2, and B-52 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I, Joint Guard and a 29-hour combat support sortie in the opening days of Operation Enduring Freedom.