341st MW welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The 341st Missile Wing welcomed its newest commander during a change of command ceremony Feb. 8 at the 3-Bay Hangar.

Col. Robert Stanley became the 53rd commander in the wing's history, succeeding Col. H.B. Brual.

"This is an important day," began Maj. Gen. Michael Carey, 20th Air Force commander. "Every time a wing commander transits this position and passes the guidon of leadership onto another colonel, it's a significant event. We commemorate it."

Before transiting the position, Brual received the Legion of Merit for his service as the wing's commander; and shared some departing thoughts before handing over the reins to Wing One.

"Over the last 18 months I've talked about [being] proud of being part of the United States Air Force," he said. "I talk about being able to deliver combat capability halfway around the world. I talk about the combat capability of this wing, and being able to reach out and touch someone 7,000 miles away and change the course of human history. I talk about the compassion of our Air Force. I tell our Airmen that they should be proud. You are our United States Air Force and I'm proud to be with you."

Stanley then posted at center stage to receive the 341st MW guidon from Carey. He later addressed the audience by first thanking those closest to him for their love and support.

"We talk about the sacrifices of our military members, but we don't mention our spouses. We don't mention our kids," Stanley said. "My wife has restarted her career 14 times now. She always rises to the top because people love her. Her laughter is infectious. [Then there are] our two little girls. Our youngest had to move here her senior year. She lost all her friends and started over and she did it with a smile. Our oldest [daughter] had to do similar things as we moved her around. They did it with a smile because they know what we do is important.

"Now my attention turns 100 percent to the nuclear Airmen of Malmstrom Air Force Base," he continued. "It would be impossible for me to try to impart to you how important you are to me, this country and the world. You need to know that what you do is so vitally important. If we ask you to do that sort of job we owe you the very best ... pride. I want you to know you are heroes."

Since assuming command, Stanley has held four commander's calls to outline his commitments to and expectations from Wing One members.

"The best commanders I've worked for gave me context," Stanley said. "So, I'm going over the things I owe you and the things I expect of you."

Stanley's commitments to Wing One included:

· Not wasting time
· Being honest and blunt
· Doing everything to reward the selfless
· Listening
· Making clear-cut decisions
· Telling each Airman's story
· Out-processing those who cut corners
· Treating Airmen like adults

Stanley's expectations from Wing One members included:

· For them to know their job inside and out
· Disciplined compliance
· Selflessness and thinking beyond themselves
· Honesty
· Believing in and understanding their mission
· Being loyal to Wing One and the Air Force
· Getting outside their comfort zone
· Doing the right thing when no one is looking
· Staying safe