Flournoy assumes command of 4th Air Force

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Bari D. Yonkers
  • 452nd Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. --  Brig. Gen. John C. Flournoy Jr. assumed command of 4th Air Force in a ceremony here Nov. 3.

Before arriving at March, Flournoy commanded the Air Reserve Personnel Center at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. He replaced Maj. Gen. Mark A. Kyle, who moved to Dobbins ARB, Ga., to take command of 22nd Air Force Oct. 20. Kyle had commanded 4th Air Force since March 2011.

Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson, chief of the Air Force Reserve at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and commander of Air Force Reserve Command at Robins AFB, Ga., served as the presiding officer at Flournoy's assumption-of-command ceremony.

More than 200 guests attended the ceremony to welcome Flournoy as the new commander. The audience included family, distinguished visitors, military members and prominent community leaders as well as local and state legislative officials.

The March Field Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard presented the colors, and Emily Flournoy, daughter of Flournoy and his wife, Anne, sang the National Anthem at the beginning of the ceremony.

"Fourth Air Force was stood up right here at March Field, so you have a proud heritage," Jackson said. "We want to continue that proud heritage, and this is exactly the leader to do it."

Jackson praised Flournoy for his leadership at ARPC. He specifically keyed in on Flournoy's role in fixing key items associated with promotion boards and keeping people focused on the job during civilian furloughs and sequestration.

"Without a doubt I know that this gentlemen right here has exactly what you need to lead 4th Air Force to the next level," said Jackson.

After Jackson passed the 4th Air Force flag to Flournoy, signifying the official assumption of command, Flournoy went to the microphone to speak to the audience. He thanked Jackson for having confidence in him to lead an "incredibly accomplished team of super stars."

Flournoy thanked the ceremony organizers for working on short notice and around the government shutdown, and he praised his parents, wife and children for their support throughout his career.

He then directed his attention to the Airmen in attendance, addressing his troops for the first time as their commander.

"We talk about teammates and team work, and I'm all about one team no seam," he said. "It doesn't matter what patch you're wearing or what office you represent, I'm all about getting the work done as a team."