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***image1***Gen. Roger A. Brady ceremonially assumed command of United States Air Forces in Europe Jan. 17.
General Brady, who previously worked as Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., begins his term as USAFE commander eight years after he last left the command as its director of plans and programs.
“It is a great honor to serve as commander of USAFE,” General Brady said. “I look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence with the men and women who partner with our friends in Europe and Africa.”
General Brady shared his admiration for the contributions of USAFE Airmen and gave credit to his predecessor, Gen. Tom Hobbins, for his accomplishments.
“I’ve joined a great team,” General Brady said.
“I want to continue the tradition of excellence that’s been established over decades with this command,” General Brady said.
Facing today’s challenges while developing Airmen is a priority, he said.
“We need to be ready to fight tonight if we have to,” General Brady said. “The most important weapon we have is our people. We must ensure they are ready to do the job and are appropriately trained, equipped, and ready to go.”
***image2***USAFE must also prepare for the challenges of tomorrow by continuing to develop Airmen and increase interoperability with NATO and other European partners, General Brady added.
Joining General Brady at the ceremony was Chief Master Sgt. Pamela A. Derrow, new USAFE command chief. Chief Derrow replaces Chief Gary Coleman, who will soon retire. Chief Derrow comes from Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., where she served as commandant of the Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy.
“USAFE Airmen have always risen to the challenge, no matter what the task,” Chief Derrow said. “I am humbled to join this fine team, and I look forward to working with our Airmen to continue this legacy of success.”
The ceremony was officiated by Gen. John Craddock, Supreme Allied commander, Europe. Also attending the ceremony were Air Chiefs and representatives of several nations and senior U.S. and German government officials.
As USAFE commander, General Brady also has three other titles: commander, Allied Air Component Command, Ramstein; air component commander, U.S. European Command, Ramstein; and director, Multinational Joint Air Power Competence Center, Kalkar.
Lt. Gen. Rod Bishop served as interim commander since the Dec. 10 retirement ceremony of Gen. Tom Hobbins, who was the USAFE commander the past two years. General Bishop will continue his duties as commander of the 3rd Air Force.
General Brady was promoted to the rank of general and took command of USAFE at a Jan. 9 ceremony at the Pentagon. General Brady formally assumed all of his duties upon his arrival at Ramstein.
