JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FT. SAM HOUSTON, Texas-- Brig. Gen. Laura L. Lenderman became the fifth commander of the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio at a change of command ceremony officiated by Lt. Gen. Steven L. Kwast, commander, Air Education and Training Command, June 6 at the MacArthur Parade Field on JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.
Lenderman takes over for Brig. Gen. Heather L. Pringle, who led JBSA and the 502nd ABW since August 2016. Pringle heads to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, to become the Director, Strategic Plans, Programs and Analyses, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command.
Lenderman, a 24-year Air Force veteran, comes to San Antonio from Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, where she served as the Deputy Director, Military, Strategic Plans, Policy, and Logistics at U.S. Transportation Command since August 2017.
In that capacity, Lenderman directly supported future initiatives, including strategic, campaign and operational planning, logistical transformation, force programming, policy development and operational traffic management policies and procedures to ensure the readiness and capability to meet current, projected and emerging requirements.
She was also commander of the 375th Air Mobility Wing at Scott AFB from August 2015 to August 2017.
“We need leaders who are bold, who are aggressive and know how to lead teams. General Lenderman is up to the task of leading JBSA,” Kwast said of Lenderman, “She is her own person and the word ‘no’ and ‘can’t be done’ are not in her vocabulary. She is a world-class leader who will continue to uplift this community.”
As Pringle heads to Ohio, Kwast said “We are reminded of General Pringle’s value by those who are in attendance today. The civic leaders have grown to love and respect her. When three hurricanes struck America, it was her creativity, innovation and leadership that helped JBSA develop a hub of support for thousands of people.”
“I can’t believe I was so lucky to be here at JBSA,” said Pringle of her time leading the 502nd ABW and JBSA. “No other wing comes close to what the people of the 502nd ABW and JBSA do. You have excelled in every challenge and taken pride in every task. How can you go wrong when you have such great people, mission partners and you are in Military City USA?”
“This is such an honor and I am grateful for this opportunity. I am so proud to take command from such a great leader and dear friend as General Pringle,” Lenderman said about assuming the mantle of leadership at the Department of Defense’s largest joint base, which was activated Aug. 1, 2009, as a result of a recommendation by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.
Lenderman’s experience includes several tours flying the KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft, staff assignments to include Chief, Commander’s Action Group and Executive Officer to the Commander, Air Mobility Command, and the Analysis Branch Chief, Joint Staff J-8, which develops capabilities, conducts studies, analysis, and assessments, and evaluates plans, programs, and strategies for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
A command pilot who has logged more than 3,000 flight hours in the KC-135 R/T, KC-10 and C-17A, the general has received the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
Lenderman’s education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Duke University, a Master of Science degree in Military Operation Art and Science from Air Command and Staff College, and a Master of Science degree in airpower art and science from the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. The general is also a National Security Research Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
“We will continue to create innovative ideas to keep JBSA running effectively,” Lenderman said. “I am looking forward to working with all our incredible mission partners.”