BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
The September Unit Training Assembly weekend will be remembered as a historic milestone for reservists of the 940th Air Refueling Wing as the command held its relinquishment and assumption of command ceremony Sept. 13, 2008.
The ceremony officially ended aerial refueling operations for the 940th ARW by deactivating the 940th Maintenance Group and 314th Air Refueling Squadron, which flew the KC-135 Stratotankers. Also during the ceremony, Col. Albert M. Reif relinquished command of the 940th ARW to Col. Jeffrey T. Mineo and the wing officially transferred from the 4th Air Force to the 10th Air Force.
As both the 940th MXG and 314th ARS furled and encased their respective unit flags, Colonel Reif remarked on the efforts of Airmen to ensure that closure of both units was successful and complete.
"As we furl these flags today, I would like you to think of it as putting a sword in the sheath, not because it has dulled, but because our mission has honed it to a razors edge and our mission is now complete," said Col. Reif.
The presiding officers over the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Robert E. Duignan and Brig. Gen Thomas R. Coon agreed that the 940th ARW has built a great foundation for the emerging missions and will continue in its operational excellence.
"The fight (being fought) from Beale AFB is not any different than it was in the past; America's enemies are never going to be at rest because of the new emerging mission that the 940th is taking on," said General Duignan.
The new 940th Wing Commander Col. Jeffrey T. Mineo said he is humbled to be the newest wing commander and vows establish the commands latest total force initiatives with some of the unique and diverse missions under one wing.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to build upon the successes of the 940th ARW and all that you have achieved to make this wing the legacy that it is today," said Col. Mineo. "I want everyone to know that I am committed and focused to ensure the wing stays adaptive and transforms to meet the needs of Air Combat Command and our other future partner commands."