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36th Wing ushers in new CC

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  After nearly two years of service as the 36th Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Phil Ruhlman passed the wing guidon to Brig. Gen. (Select) John Doucette, the incoming 36th Wing commander, officially signifying the changeover in leadership during a change of command ceremony at Hangar 6 here June 25.

During his tenure as wing commander, General Ruhlman oversaw many mission-essential and quality-of-life projects throughout the wing, including the dorm renovations, runway reconstruction and the stand up of the wing's Humanitarian Assistance Rapid Response Team. General Ruhlman also led the charge in the wing's integration into Joint Region Marianas.

"To be given the privilege to command and the honor to lead is a most precious gift," General Ruhlman said. "I am so very thankful to have been given this chance to lead our Airmen and partner with my joint teammates over these past 22 months. We've come a very long way together, and I can say the journey has been an absolute thrill - the opportunities challenging, the rewards great and the friendships we've made everlasting."

Lieutenant General Hawk Carlisle, 13th Air Force commander, presided over the change of command and spoke highly of General Ruhlman's impact as part of Team Andersen.

"He led a wing that, during his tenure, processed more than 2,100 transit aircraft, moved more than 22,000 tons of cargo, and deployed more than 1,800 servicemembers, all the while supporting a surge in operations, ensuring there was no interruption of the combat capability in the Pacific area of responsibility," General Carlisle said.

Brig. Gen. (Select) Doucette comes to the 36th Wing from his previous assignment as Special Assistant to the Director of the Joint Staff for General and Flag Officer Matters at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. As he prepares to lead the 36th Wing to greater heights, he provided an outlook shaping the future of Team Andersen and its Airmen.

"I look forward to leading you, but more importantly, I look forward to serving you," Brig. Gen. (Select) Doucette said. "This is a very humbling experience. Yes, there are challenges and yes, I've been given the lead, but I know very well that leadership is a matter of servitude. I pledge to you from this day forward that you will have my undying support in every endeavor.

"As you look around here at these capabilities and what we bring not just to the Pacific, but to our Nation, you are part of that legacy and you are part of Pacific airpower that both stands out and stands forward at the ready. There's a lot on our plate and we'll get it done. I know we will."

General Ruhlman and his wife, Lina, said their farewells to Team Andersen members, friends and members of the local community as they embark on a new chapter in life. General Ruhlman is slated to venture to the Pentagon as Director of Manpower, Organization and Resources at Headquarters Air Force.

"Phil, I have the utmost respect and admiration for you, and we're all thankful you're a part of our Air Force," General Carlisle said. "We have all been blessed by your leadership and your command."