Ohio State ROTC grad becomes first Four-star General from the Air Force Reserve to command Air Mobil
Jim Tressel, Youngstown State University President, congratulates Gen. Maryanne Miller after she officially assumed command of the Air Force's Air Mobility Command on Saturday, Sept. 7. At right is Tressel's wife, Ellen.
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Force Gen. Maryanne Miller took command of the Air Force's Air Mobility Command from Air Force Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, who retires after more than 35 years of service during a ceremony at Scott AFB on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein, officiated the change of command ceremony.
Miller is the thirteenth commander to take the reins since the major command was designated as Air Mobility Command, June 1, 1992. She is the first traditional Reservist to be promoted to four-star general and lead an Air Force major command outside of Air Force Reserve Command. Goldfein opened the ceremony by expressing a personal connection to the Airmen and capabilities of AMC. “My admiration and appreciation for the Airmen of this command is very personal,” he said. “You see, I’ve been pulled out of many a bad place by air refueling tankers, crews willing to risk everything to provide me and my wingmen the gas we desperately needed to get back to friendly territory.”
The chief of staff echoed the words of his senior joint colleagues who have referred to AMC and U.S. Transportation Command as “the most ‘can-do’ force on the planet.” He then reflected on Miller’s leadership and expertise.
“In a command where rapid global mobility is not achieved without total force synergy, General Miller brings the perfect blend of operational expertise, servant leadership and strategic policy savvy to take this team to new heights,” Goldfein said.
As AMC commander, Miller is responsible for employing and integrating all Mobility Air Forces comprised of nearly 120,000 civilian, active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve personnel along with nearly 1,100 aircraft. AMC sustains America's military operations worldwide through its airlift, aerial refueling, aeromedical evacuation and air mobility support capabilities. The command also responds to humanitarian crises at home and around the globe.
Addressing the men and women of AMC for the first time as commander, Miller expressed enthusiasm about assuming her new position leading the command. “It is an honor and tremendous privilege to take the flag, to lead Air Mobility Command,” Miller said. “Air Mobility is at the heart of our nation’s military response. There is a common bond which guides all of us as individuals, Airmen and public servants: the bond of our core values and the inspiration that comes from being part of something much bigger than ourselves.”
One of only 14 four-star generals serving in the Air Force, Miller previously commanded Air Force Reserve Command, the 349th Air Mobility Wing, Travis AFB, California, and 932nd Airlift Wing, Scott AFB, Illinois. In those positions, Miller directly led the organizing, training and equipping of Mobility Air Forces for America. This is a role she intends to build upon while responsible for the warfighting and humanitarian components of AMC’s Total Force mission. “We stand as one force, shoulder-to-shoulder with our Reserve and Guard Airmen and families,” said Miller. “As a Total Force we will continue to improve our readiness and sharpen the edge of our rapid and resilient operations.”
Air Mobility Command is the air component of United States Transportation Command, a unified, functional combatant command which provides support to the nine other U.S. combatant commands, the military services, defense agencies and other government organizations for a wide array of joint mobility missions.
Army Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, U.S. TRANSCOM commander, spoke about his experience with AMC Airmen and welcomed Miller to the command during the ceremony.
“As a Soldier, Air Mobility Command has carried me on their back to every major operation throughout my career, whether on a parachute or at the end of a dirt landing strip,” he said. “General Miller is unquestionably the best leader for our Mobility Air Forces at this time. Every assignment along her mobility career has prepared her for today. Her reputation precedes her as a servant leader.”
Miller concluded the ceremony by encouraging AMC’s Airmen to let their core values lead them in the conduct of rapid global mobility. “As Airmen, we succeed. As Airmen, we invest in serving our great nation and each other. As Airmen, we lead from the front, kneel by those in need, share in the work of our teammates, respect their lives and honor their contributions … Let’s get after it!” she concluded.