Brig. Gen. Heather Pringle assumed command of the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio during a change of command ceremony Aug. 5 at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston’s MacArthur Parade Field.
Pringle, who most recently served as the executive officer to former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, succeeds Brig. Gen. Bob LaBrutta, who led the 502nd ABW and JBSA for more than three years.
“I am honored to take the flag and excited to become part of this incredible team,” Pringle said. “The (wing) has a great reputation in this city and in the entire Department of Defense. This did not happen by chance. It happened because of your hard work, your dedication that each and every one of you has shown and, I believe, will continue to show.”
Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, commander of Air Education and Training Command and presiding official for the ceremony, said Pringle comes well-qualified to command the 502nd and JBSA.
“She has the experience, the proven performance and leadership qualities to take the wing to even newer heights,” he said. “When you take a peek at her record, it is clear that she has earned her reputation for strong character, commitment to the mission and Airmen, and the readiness to make the tough calls when needed.”
Roberson said he knows Pringle will lead the team to continued excellence.
“I am confident you are up to this task, and the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio, under your leadership, will continue to provide unrivalled installation support and service to enable mission partner success,” he said. “As you take command today, I trust you to lead them; we need you to inspire them and we expect you to take care of them.”
Roberson also commended LaBrutta, who is headed to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., to take command of 2nd Air Force, for leading the 502nd ABW and JBSA “through some significantly difficult events while achieving great accomplishments,” and presented him with the Legion of Merit – an award given to members of the armed forces for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service.
“You led the 502nd to inspire, engage and support the Department of Defense’s largest joint base, demonstrating to the rest of our armed forces what innovative leadership can do to foster synergy between the Army and Air Force to deliver air and ground power for America,” he said.