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433rd Airlift Wing welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Capt. Philip Cortez
  • 433rd Airlift Wing
LACKLAND AFB, TX --  Col. Jeffrey Pennington assumed command of the 433rd Airlift Wing from Brig. Gen. Kenneth Lewis during a Change of Command ceremony at Lackland Air Force Base, TX, June 3.

Maj. Gen. Mark Kyle, the 4th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony.
"The Alamo Wing is a treasure, and the right man was hired to lead it," Kyle said. "Many volunteered to lead the 433rd, and I expect the acceleration and progress to continue because the world is watching you."

Pennington comes to Lackland AFB from Pittsburg, Pa., where he was assigned as commander of the 911th Airlift Wing. His other previous assignments include working out of Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. and Travis AFB, Calif. He has deployed numerous times to support the following Operations: Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Proud Return, Provide Comfort, Restore Hope, and Desert Strike.

"I'm excited to be here in Texas. As my family and I got closer driving to San Antonio, and the weather kept getting hotter, we got more excited," Pennington said to members of the 433rd after assuming command.

"I have high expectations for each member of the 433rd. This Wing will be a landmark. This Wing will be a benchmark. We are here to protect the values and ideals that make America great. Let's keep the momentum going."

Col. Pennington was joined in the ceremony by his wife Lisa, his two daughters, parents, and numerous friends of the family.

Brig. Gen. Lewis leaves the 433rd AW to become the director of Air Force Reserve Plans, Programs, and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington D.C.
 
Under Lewis' command, the 433rd organized and trained over 3,000 ready reservists to achieve combat readiness, oversaw the development of the Air Force Reserve's only Formal Training Unit C-5 flight qualification school, and implemented the Honorary Commanders program for local community, business, and civic leaders.

"It was an honor to be part of the 433rd family," Lewis said. "You are here to protect the American dream, and you are the best of the best. Maj. Gen. Kyle has been a great mentor to me, and I thank him for the wonderful opportunities, insights, and guidance he has given me."