JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO –
A new commander took the stick of the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio during a ceremony at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston May 29.
Brig. Gen. Robert D. LaBrutta takes his turn in the cockpit as the third commander of the largest joint base in the Department of Defense.
"The change in command of a wing in the U.S. Air Force, and in this case, a joint base wing, is one of the most important ceremonies we have," said Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., commander of Air Education and Training Command, stressing how important it is to have the right person leading an organization at the right time.
Brig. Gen. Theresa C. Carter was the right person at the right time during her tenure as commander, Rice added.
The AETC commander praised Carter for her leadership abilities.
"She has tackled challenge after challenge in a very effective and efficient way and at the end of the day this wing is much better positioned for the future than when she took command two years ago," the general said.
Turning his attention to the new commander, Rice said, "I think we have the exact right leader at the right time in Brig. Gen. Bob LaBrutta. I can't think of anybody in our Air Force that is in a better position to take the reins and take leadership of the 502nd Air Base Wing.
"There isn't anybody more versed in the issues of manpower and personnel then Bob LaBrutta. He also understands how to run an installation," Rice said. "He obviously has the great background that we need, both in terms of expertise from a functional prospective; and leadership and experience from an installation command prospective, to take this wing to the next stage of its evolution."
Before passing the baton of responsibility over, Carter addressed the audience of service members, civilians and community leaders.
"In the past when I've relinquished command, I was very reluctant to let go of the flag - not ready to say farewell to people I've come to know and respect, not quite sure where the new commander might take the unit," she said. "I am thrilled that General Rice will place the guidon in the very capable hands of Bob LaBrutta.
"He understands how to operate in a joint environment ... he's going to lead this wing to new levels of success and I'm thrilled for him and his family."
Carter thanked Rice and AETC vice commander Lt. Gen. Douglas Owens for their support and sage counsel; the commanders, directors and wing staff for their unwavering dedication and the mission partners and community leaders for their support.
"The 'dash' I spent at Joint Base San Antonio will be forever etched in my heart," Carter said, referring to a line from the Garth Brook's song, "Pushing up Daisies," which says, "there's two dates in time that they'll carve on your stone, and everyone knows what they mean. But what's more important is the time that is known as that little dash there in between."
Following the passing of the guidon, which officially marked the change of command, LaBrutta addressed the crowd.
"I consider it an extreme honor to be the newest commander of the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio," he said, thanking Rice for his trust and confidence.
LaBrutta said he started his military career as a basic trainee at JBSA-Lackland and considers San Antonio home because he has been to and from San Antonio his whole life.
"As an Air Force member getting an opportunity to come to each location in San Antonio, I have to tell you, it's great," he said.
LaBrutta told the community and business leaders he is looking forward to partnering with them and thanked them for the wonderful quality of life San Antonio offers service members and their families.
"It's all about the mission, isn't it, and what a grand mission the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio has," LaBrutta said.
"To the members out there in the field, I'm looking forward to being a part of your team. I look forward to getting into the trenches with you.
"We are going to have some challenges. We are in a resource constrained environment, no doubt about it. But, in those challenges, we have many opportunities in this new environment."
The commander said lean processes, energy efficiency and installation stewardship will be the cornerstones moving forward in this new environment.
LaBrutta enlisted in the Air Force in 1981 and earned a commission as a personnel officer through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps in May 1989.
He has served in a wide variety of assignments and his command tours include squadron, group and wing levels. His previous assignment was as the Director of Manpower and Personnel at U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
"Leslie, the girls and I are thrilled to be here," LaBrutta said. "We are looking forward to working with and meeting all of you. We couldn't have asked for a better assignment and I can't wait to get to work."