KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss -- Maj. Gen. Andrea Tullos assumed command of Second Air Force from Maj. Gen. Timothy Leahy during a change of command ceremony, here, August 29.
Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air Education and Training Command, presided over the ceremony and spoke to Second Air Force Airmen and local civic leaders about the many accomplishments Leahy had during his career and how his life will change as he moves into retirement.
"An intelligently controlled force of destruction . . . that’s you, my friend," said Webb. "Leahy has driven Air Force change and Second Air Force change through innovation and adaptability. An example through innovation is the state of the defenders. Leahy pioneered the use of force training through virtual reality allowing ultimate agility and manufacturing of equipment to produce scenarios tailored to the curriculum."
Leahy highlighted how the Air Force and its Airmen will always be a part of his life even after he transitions to civilian life. Although his Airmen have been his family away from home, his rock has always been his wife and how their bond through his 34 years of service is one of his greatest accomplishments.
"To those of you wearing the uniform, it has been the privilege of my life to stand next to you in formation and defend this great nation and I will miss you," said Leahy. "In the end, I consider this a successful career but what will happen in a few moments as I walk through the audience and my soul mate, the love of my life, my wife of 28 years, is still standing by my side at the completion of my military service. While I do not know what the future will bring, I know that it will be bright with my wife by my side."
During his address, Webb spoke about the changes that will come as Tullos takes command and how her leadership experience is the best to bring to Second Air Force.
"Airmen of Second Air Force, I am here to tell you that you have been well led these last two years but I can’t think of anyone better than General Tullos to succeed General Leahy," said Webb. "She is certainly second to none, so Andrea, congratulations and best of luck."
Tullos previously served as the director of security forces and the deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering and force protection at the Air Force Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia and has over 28 years of military leadership experience to bring to Second Air Force.
"I’m both humbled and inspired to lead an organization responsible for setting the Air Force’s foundation for training and education, for instilling our core values into every student and for leading, inspiring and developing experts in the art and science of airpower who are prepared to meet the challenges our nation faces," said Tullos.