BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
Air Force Reserve Command leadership has named Col. Albert Reif as the new commander of the 940th Air Refueling Wing.
Maj. Gen. Robert Duignan, 4th Air Force Commander, is scheduled to officiate Colonel Reif's assumption of command ceremony during the September unit training assembly.
"I haven't really had time to think about it and soak it in yet," Colonel Reif said. "This is a great opportunity for me and an honor."
Colonel Reif, a traditional Reservist, became the wing vice commander in June and the acting commander in July after the former commander, Col. James Kerr, transferred to McGuire AFB, N.J.
That same month, Colonel Reif successfully led the wing through an Operational Readiness Inspection and Aircrew Standardization Evaluation, which secured the unit's operational status. The momentum gained from the inspections, along with Colonel Reif's decade-long history with the unit, secured his position as wing commander.
"Everything is moving so quick and so much is coming at us," Colonel Reif said. "What we are doing now will shape the 940th for years to come."
Though the colonel will officially assume command in September, he is already working issues associated with the unit's upcoming Base Realignment and Closure directed conversion.
The 940th is scheduled to transition from flying the K-135T Stratotanker to the Global Hawk, an unmanned aerial reconnaissance vehicle. The change will realign the wing's mission under Air Combat Command and the unit will become an associate of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale.
"Air Force Reserve Command and the 940th have a lot to offer the reconnaissance community," Colonel Reif said. "Not only do we have an award winning reputation, but we can provide continuity, talent and a cost-effect structure."
The conversion, which will bring the wing to the "pointed end of the spear," and further Total Force operations, will take continuous attention to details, according to the new commander.
"I can't make any promises in the details because we're still working them out," the colonel said. "But it's critical now to develop a concept of operations, define our manning needs and capture talent. I can't guarantee everyone will be completely satisfied, but unique opportunities will exist."
Colonel Reif expects to see several milestones achieved in the coming months. The Global Hawk is scheduled to begin flying locally at Beale by the end of the year.
Additionally, the 940th and 9th operations relationship will be strengthened as the two wing's command posts begin working side-by-side, while the 9th upgrades their facilities. Eventually, the two centers are expected to combine once they share the reconnaissance mission.
"Granted this is a drastic aircraft and operations change, but the 940th will continue," Colonel Reif said. "In the meantime, we have a tanker mission to fly. So, no looking at your shoe laces; keep your heads up and focus on the mission. Don't let your guard down."
A new 940 ARW vice commander is expected to be named shortly.