Rancher, family man, commander: Introducing Col. Ty Neuman

While in uniform, he’s a combat-experienced commander who drives the mission and is passionate about leading Airmen and promoting fitness. After hours, he drives a Harley or vintage Mustang and enjoys spending time with his wife and children outdoors. Among other things, hunting, running and managing family ranch activities are all a big part of his life.

No, he’s not a character from a Western novel, he’s Col. Ty Neuman, the new commander of Barksdale’s 2nd Bomb Wing. Neuman, a Montana native, comes from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, where he most recently served as the vice commander of the largest B-1 combat wing in the U.S. Air Force.

Prior to taking command, Neuman took some time to sit down with some of his future Airmen to share a bit about himself and why he’s enthused to assume command of the ‘Mighty Deuce.'

Welcome, sir, please tell us about yourself.

Neuman: I grew up on a farm and ranch in Vaughn, Montana, where I still have active ties to managing a small herd of cattle. It was there where I first became interested in the Air force. My father was in the Montana Air National Guard, and I had the opportunity to grow up around military aircraft flying overhead while working outside.

I graduated from a small high school in Simms, Montana, and eventually went on to Colorado State University where I received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology. It was there at Ft Collins where I met my lovely bride, Shellie, and we have been together ever since.

We have three wonderful children who we are extremely proud of, a16-year-old daughter, Abbie, and twin 13-year-old boys, Jacob and Trevor. My family is the center of my world and is always my top priority when I’m off the clock.

I’m passionate about hunting, fishing, archery and physical fitness. I played basketball, baseball and football in high school, and have enjoyed taking opportunities to coach youth sports when time permits. Fitness is a big part of my life, and I like to lead by example by striving for excellence. 

What is it about this opportunity of leading the 2nd Bomb Wing that excites you most?

Neuman:   I am excited about joining the great team here at Barksdale.  The Mighty Deuce has set the bar high on performance and excellence in all they do, and I could not be happier about joining a winning team. 

With hundreds of our men and women deployed downrange right now maintaining, supporting and employing Barksdale B-52s in the fight against ISIS, this is an exciting and humbling time to join and lead the ‘Mighty Deuce’ team.

Moreover, with a four-star general at the helm of Air Force Global Strike Command, and all of our nation’s bomber fleet under Eighth Air Force’s umbrella, this is an incredible time to be a Striker Airman, and it’s an honor to support both of those organizations – along with dozens of mission partners – as host wing commander.

Given your career’s worth of experience in bombers, tell us your thoughts about the B-52.

Neuman: It’s a remarkable airplane. When you take a look at our bomber force, each bomber plays a vital role and is an invaluable piece of the triad of bombers. The extensive arsenal of weapons a B-52 can carry grants it the flexibility and capability like none other.

The men and women who maintain and support this aircraft and the aviators who fly it are doing amazing things. Keeping the Air Force’s workhorse viable for today’s fight is no easy challenge, but every day 2nd BWAirmen are making it happen. The future of the B-52 is exciting as well. With new technology and capabilities coming on board, the B-52 will continue to do great things for another 30 years or more.

What are your goals as commander?

Neuman: My goal is to maintain the exceptional performance of the 2nd BW. Under Col. Goodwin’s leadership, the wing has really thrived, and my goal is to continue down that path of excellence and continue to push to the next level.

Our mission is my number one priority and while we have Airmen deployed, we will maintain that focus. The mission we have at the 2nd BW is like no other. We’re in charge of protecting your Nation’s interest through strategic deterrence and while maintaining a global strike capability. We are demonstrating that today with hundreds of our Barksdale Airmen deployed.

If you could say one thing to the outgoing commander, what would it be?

Neuman:  I would like to say thank you so much for leaving me in great and capable hands. The 2nd BW is doing amazing things and carrying the fight to the enemy with a level of professionalism and excellence like none other. Coming off an Omaha Trophy win is phenomenal and a huge testament of exceptional leadership. Thanks for all you have done with the Wing and for Shellie and me during our transition. I wish the best of luck to you and Kelly in the future.

What would you like to tell the men and women of Team Barksdale?

Neuman:  Keep doing what you’re doing. We have a mission to do, and we’re doing it exceptionally well. Continue to focus on the mission, take care of yourself and your fellow Airmen, and everything else will take care of itself.