Farris takes command of 22nd Air Force

Published Sept. 12, 2011
By by Lt. Col. Chad E. Gibson
22 AF Public Affairs

DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Maj. Gen. Wallace "Wade" Farris assumed command of the 22nd Air Force in a ceremony here today with Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner, commander of the Air Force Reserve Command presiding.

Farris replaced Maj. Gen. James T. Rubeor, who will now serve as Special Assistant to the Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command for Reserve Matters, Headquarters United States Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo..

"The 22nd Air Force, based on a lot of hard work by Jim Rubeor.... is going to be focused on the operational aspects and the readiness of this command," said Stenner. "Jim has done a great job. This numbered Air Force's capability is ready for the future... it has been characterized by change, a high-ops tempo and an evolution into an operationally-focused piece for the warfighter. "

Prior to the formal change of command ceremony, Stenner awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Award to Rubeor.

"It has been a joy, a pleasure and a privilege to serve with all of you," Rubeor said as he addressed the crowd of more than 400 including many of the commanders and senior leaders from all of the 22nd Air Force units.

Families, friends and Citizen Airmen watched as General Farris, who previously served as the Director, Air, Space and Information Operations, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., accepted the unit flag from Stenner, a tradition symbolizing the formal change of command.

"My wife, Kim, and I are excited about this job and excited about being a part of the reserve family here," said Farris. "we've spent about 20 years of my career in 22nd Air Force, so I may be little prejudiced, but I think 22nd is the premiere numbered Air Force."

Farris also wanted 22 AF members to know he is accessible and people-focused.

"My door will never be closed," said Farris.

Maj. Gen. James Bankers and Maj. Gen. Martin Mazick, both former commanders of 22 AF in the days after 9/11 were among those in attendance a day before the 10-year anniversary of the attacks. The 22nd AF was one of the first in the war effort after the attacks and continues to play a critical role in the war. On any given day, approximately 5,000 Air Force Reservists serve in the United States, Afghanistan, Iraq and other locations around the world.

Though it will continue providing combat forces to the warfighter, the 22nd AF will also face some changes in the next year. Air Force Reserve officials recently announced plans to streamline and restructure the 22 AF and other Numbered Air Forces by fiscal year 2012.

"Change is never easy, but we have to do it right and we have to take care of our people," Farris said, "My job will be to make sure that happens and to remove as much uncertainty about the process -- the end result is a leaner, more efficient organization."

The 22 AF currently has more than 27,000 reservists assigned to 14 wings in 19 states and 130 aircraft assigned. It also includes 24 flying units and 191 support units.

As commander, Farris understands the high-paced tempo at which the units of the 22 AF are operating and knows too well the affect it can have on the warfighter's their families and the community.

"My goal is always families, people and safety first," said Farris. "I have found if you take care of your people and their families, the mission takes care of itself.