BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Col. Ty Neuman replaced Col. Kristin Goodwin as commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing during a change of command ceremony here, today.
Having previously served as the vice commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, Neuman was welcomed to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, by a formation of Airmen, Air Force Global Strike Command leadership to include Gen. Robin Rand, AFGSC commander, and local political and civic leaders to include the mayors of Shreveport and Bossier City.
During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Richard Clark, 8th Air Force commander, introduced Neuman to the base. Clark expressed his excitement to watch Neuman step into his new role.
“Col. Ty 'Goose' Neuman is here, and I know from personal experience that Goose has exactly what this wing needs to carry on from where Kristin has left off,” Clark said. “I can say without question that he is not only a brilliant officer and inspiring leader but he is a true warrior. I know that he will continue to lead this wing to greatness.”
“Today, Ty, you and your family are presented with your next opportunity, leading the men and women of the 2nd BW; they deserve the best and that is why we selected you," Clark continued. “Today we entrust the command of the 2nd BW to you. I have the utmost faith, trust and confidence in you and your family’s ability to lead this great wing.”
With his first words to his new Airmen, Neuman acknowledged their many accomplishments and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the 2nd BW, the state of the wing could not be better. We have the world’s greatest Airmen executing the Air Force’s most important mission. History shows that exceptional performance from the 2nd BW is nothing new, the wing has answered our nation’s call."
Mission is the number one priority for Neuman. With many Barksdale Airmen deployed in the fight against ISIS, he promises to support them and their families until they have returned home.
“Our 2nd BW Airmen at this very moment are generating airpower in the skies over Iraq and Syria, fighting for freedom and liberty, not just for America but for those families and those individuals who cannot fight for themselves,” said Neuman. “While we have Airmen in combat, we will not shift our focus away from combat operations in the support of those Airmen and their families until every last one of them has returned home.”
As commander, he will support 32 tenant units, including headquarters AFGSC, headquarters 8th AF and Air Force Reserve Command's 307th Bomb Wing. He will be charged with promoting the welfare of more than 11,400 military and civilian personnel, 6,300 family members and 25,000 retirees.
“When we show up, we mean business. Thanks to the great leadership of Col. Goodwin and the previous commanders of the 2nd BW, we are ready to move into the future, shape our world, protect our national interests and serve democracy around the globe,” said Neuman. “As your commander I take this position very seriously and intend on carrying the 2nd BW into the future with piercing focus on mission execution.”
Goodwin set the bar high while in command, and Neuman plans on maintaining the same level of excellence and is enthusiastic to lead such a prestigious team.
“Col. Goodwin, the success of your command is evident in the faces of these Airmen, the pride they wear on their sleeves and the great accomplishments they have achieved over the past few years,” said Neuman. “While your shoes will be difficult to fill, your legacy of excellence will remain here at the 2nd BW.”
“While under my command, the mission is quite simple; strategic deterrence, global strike, global support. Anytime. Anywhere. Our priorities will center on the abilities to execute the mission."
Neuman reiterated his priorities by echoing the Airmen’s Creed.
"We are the 2nd BW. We are Airmen. We are wingmen. We are leaders and most of all, we are warriors. We are warriors who have sworn an oath to defend this great nation and this flag with our lives. We will not falter, and we will not fail."