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Change of Command
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56th Fighter Wing welcomes Brig. Gen. Rueschhoff
BY TECH. SGT. JENNA BIGHAM
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th Fighter Wing commander, relinquished command to U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueschhoff during a change-of-command ceremony at Luke Air Force Base on July 29.
Rueschhoff, a command pilot with more than 2,800 flight hours in the F-35A, A-10C, AH 64-E, T-38 and T-37, including more than 250 combat hours, arrived at Luke AFB following a position as the deputy commander of the 7th Air Force at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
He earned his commission and a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1997, in addition to master’s degrees in military operational art and science, airpower art and science, and one in strategic studies.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, presided over the ceremony, welcoming Rueschhoff.
“One of the great things about our Air Force is that we are one great family and when an airmen steps aside, there’s another one standing right there to take up the flag and take it to new heights,” Wills says. “We are very fortunate to welcome Brig. Gen. Reuschhoff and his family to the 56th Fighter Wing.”
Rueschhoff thanked everyone in attendance and those who supported him in the path to get here, and addressed the wing. “I am thrilled to be able to stand here and take command of this wing, but I know who is really running this — it’s you all,” Rueschhoff says. “You are the ones making it happen. I look forward to meeting all of you, look forward to working with all of you, look forward to learning U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, awards U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregofrom you.” Wills also praised Kreuder for his acry Kreuder, 56th Fighter Wing outgoing commander, complishments and thanked the wing for the Legion of Merit for his accomplishments as their commitment over the past two years. commander on July 29 at Luke Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Mason Hargrove) U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, passes guidon to U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueschhoff, 56th Fighter Wing commander, after assuming command from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th FW outgoing commander, during the July 29 56th FW change-of-command ceremony (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Mason Hargrove)
here, and addressed the wing. and take command of this wing, but I know who is really running this — it’s you all,” Rueschhoff says. “You are the ones making it happen. I look forward to meeting all of you, look forward to working with all of you, look forward to learning from you.”
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U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, delivers a speech during the July 29 56th Fighter Wing change-ofcommand ceremony at Luke Air Force Base. Wills offi ciated the ceremony in which command of the 56th FW was transferred from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder to U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueschhoff. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Mason Hargrove)
CHANGE OF COMMAND FROM PAGE 8
“Freddy (Kreuder), your dedication has been truly world class,” Wills says.
Kreuder welcomed Rueschhoff and expressed gratitude to the men and women of the 56th Fighter Wing.
“To the men and women of the 56th Fighter Wing, I am truly grateful to have had the honor to serve with you these past two years,” Kreuder says. “I could not be more proud of all you do every single day to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready airmen. You’ve both figuratively and literally built the future of air power right here at Luke Air Force Base. I know you will continue to reach even greater heights with Brig. Gen. Rueschhoff at the helm.
“I cannot think of anybody that is better equipped, better trained, or a better human being to take this 56th Fighter Wing,” Kreuder continued. “The men and women of the 56th Fighter Wing are going to serve our nation well and will take care of you as you take care of them.”
