Air Base Wing welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • 96th ABW Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  In the short time it takes to read an order, the 96th Air Base Wing moved forward under new leadership. 

Col. Bruce McClintock accepted the helm from Maj. Gen. David Eidsaune, program executive officer for weapons and Air Armament Center commander, at the officers club July 2. 

Colonel McClintock and his family arrived at Eglin after his assignment as vice commander of the 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. He earned his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1987, and is a command pilot with more than 3,000 hours in the cockpit of more than 35 different aircraft. The colonel is no stranger to Eglin; from January 1996 to July 1998, he was an F-16 and A-10 test pilot and a flight commander with 39th Flight Test Squadron here.

General Eidsaune lauded the wing and its previous commander, Col. Eric Pohland. He said a change of command is a time to reflect on past accomplishments and also a time to focus on the future; continued excellence and attaining new heights. 

"People focus on (Eglin) being the biggest piece of land in DOD," the general said. "What they should ask is 'what have you done for the warfighter?' As it turns out, the 96th Air Base Wing does a whole lot." 

General Eidsaune commended each group in the wing and singled out its relationship with the communities, its environmental accomplishments, and the Base Realignment and Closure execution as just some of the impressive accomplishments under Colonel Pohland's leadership. He then focused on the new commander. 

"Colonel McClintock has been a commander at the tip of the spear," the general said. " Your reputation as an officer and commander proceeds you and I know you are up for the challenges that are ahead of you," the general said. "Your warriors of the 96th are poised and ready to attain new heights of excellence under your command; I have full confidence they will not disappoint you." 

Colonel McClintock recognized the challenge of limited resources the wing faces but said he's confident the wing will maximize them to everyone's benefit. He also acknowledged the impressive record of the wing and its vital work to ensure the base's success. 

"Every day you roll up your sleeves and faithfully get the job done," he said. "Over the next few years, we'll lay the groundwork for changes that will make Eglin the largest and best base in the nation." 

The colonel also told everyone present to be proud of their service to the nation in defense of freedom. 

"Our nation expects the best from us and we will deliver," he said.