4th FW holds historic change of command

News: 4th FW holds historic change of command

4th Fighter Wing

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Story by Staff Sgt. Chuck Broadway Subscribe To This Journalist

Airman 1st Class Aubrey White

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells passes the guidon to Col. Jeannie Leavitt during the 4th Fighter Wing change of command ceremony on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., June 1, 2012. Leavitt was the first female fighter pilot to graduate from the U.S. Air Force Weapons School. Wells is the 9th Air Force commander.

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. - Col. Jeannie Leavitt assumed command of the 4th Fighter Wing from Col. Patrick Doherty during a change-of-command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., June 1, 2012.

Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 9th Air Force commander presided over the ceremony.

“With the departure of one leader, we welcome a new one,” Wells said. “Col. Leavitt has an innovative spirit, a talent for teamwork and this will be essential to lead the 4th FW to new heights. This change of command ceremony reminds us of what we have today: great commanders, leading great warriors.”

Leavitt comes to Seymour Johnson from Washington, D.C. where she was assigned to the Central Intelligence Agency as a Chief of Staff of the Air Force Fellow. She was assigned to Seymour Johnson on two other occasions. During her first four years, she served as an instructor pilot, Assistant Chief of Weapons and Standards and Evaluations for the 336th Fighter Squadron. During her second stint here, she commanded the 333rd Fighter Squadron among other duties.

“If you’ve ever dreamed of being a part of something bigger than yourself, then realize that you have that opportunity now,” Leavitt said to her airmen after assuming command. “You’re creating the next chapter in 4th FW history and our continued success depends on each and every one of you. I can’t say enough about Col. Doherty for building such a fine, professional organization.”

Once she took hold of the guidon, Leavitt became the first female to lead an Air Force fighter wing; one of many firsts in Leavitt’s groundbreaking career.

“The men and women of the 4th FW will remain in strong, steady and sure hands,” Wells said. “Col. Leavitt brings a leadership style that enhances and promotes commitment to service and a track record of successes. She is the right person to pick up where Doherty left off. The 4th FW’s performance will continue to have a direct impact on our nation’s security.”

Under Doherty’s command, the 4th FW generated more than 21,000 total sorties, 5,000 of which were in combat. Doherty oversaw the largest amount of construction in base history as well, with improvements to military family housing, dormitories and the airfield all completing under his command. In the past two years, the wing was presented with more than 100 awards for excellence at the major command and Air Force levels.