Space wing welcomes new commander

Published June 19, 2009
By Senior Airman Randi Flaugh
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 460th Space Wing welcomed a new commander during an official change of command ceremony here, June 19.

Lt. Gen. Larry James, 14th Air Force Commander, presided over the ceremony as Colonel Clinton Crosier assumed command of the wing from Col. Donald "Wayne" McGee Jr. Col. Crosier was previously the Deputy Director of Plans and Programs, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colo.

General James stated that Colonel Crosier's success at all other command levels, as well as being a tremendous leader, have prepared him for his new position.

Colonel Crosier said he is looking forward to working with everyone to ensure Team Buckley remains a valuable partner in the local community.

"Today we are a nation of conflict and the missions we perform here every day from global surveillance and missile warning to homeland defense are critical in supporting our deployed warfighters," Colonel Crosier said. "We will share many successes together in the next two years, but there will likely be times ahead when we feel like the enemy has us surrounded. There will certainly be operational challenges in front of us as we bring on new satellites and new ground systems, and the base and its mission continues to grow at a more rapid pace than any base I've ever seen," he added. "There will be inspections and there may be times when it feels like a lack of manpower or lack of funding or resources are fighting us from behind, but the enemy shall not escape and we will succeed. Working together as a team, active duty, guard, reserves, civilian and contract partners, Team Buckley comprised of all of our joint partners, one team one fight, we'll continue to succeed, we'll continue to excel and we'll continue to provide critical daily support to joint warfighters around the globe and global vigilance to our great nation."

He closed with a quote from Gen. Robert Kehler, commander, Air Force Space Command, "make no mistake we are in today's fight every minute of every day."

"To the men and women of the 460th Space Wing and our important mission partners here at Team Buckley, my commitment to you is I will embrace that philosophy every single day and together as a team we'll get it done," he said.

General James praised Colonel McGee's commitment to the base, as well as the surrounding community, and his key role in ensuring the quality of life for the base, executing 21 construction projects worth $191 million, during his two years as commander of the 460th. He also pointed out his extreme success in recognizing his people and what they do for the base.

"He is the hallmark of a true leader and I thank him for a job well done," he said.

Colonel McGee took the time to reflect on his two years at Buckley, crediting the people for doing all the work and giving his appreciation for their accomplishments.

"I couldn't be more proud of the men and women of the 460th, our tenant units and surrounding community," he said.

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Space wing welcomes new commander

Space wing welcomes new commander