WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Robins Air Force Base welcomed a new commander Thursday morning. He'll oversee the logistics, medical, civil engineering, security, and mission support for the 78th air base wing.
The change of command ceremony brought out local leaders like Mayor LaRhonda Patrick and Mayor John Harley, plus state leaders like State Representative Bethany Ballard and Representative Shaw Blackmon.
Friends and families gathered at The Museum of Aviation to say goodbye to Colonel Lindsay Droz and hello to Colonel Deedrick Reese.
"The wing couldn't have asked for a better leader, and I'm really excited to see where you take them," Colonel Droz told Reese.
With more than 20 years of military experience, Reese recently left Florida, where he served as Commander for a Special Operations Maintenance Group at Hurlburt Field.
Now in Warner Robins, he commands 17 staff agencies and several support squadrons, all while managing a budget of about $170 million and helping to innovate the force.
"What Deedrick has learned as a special operations command commander will be truly beneficial as we push our airmen out and deploy them in different ways," Lieutenant General Stacey Hawkins said.
Lt. General Hawkins shared that Reese's "people first, people always" philosophy will be essential. Plus, Reese says he already feels at home.
"Every day in Middle Georgia is Armed Forces appreciation day, so thank you for that, Middle Georgia," Reese said.
He says he's dedicated to ensuring the well-being and security of more than 23,000 base airmen and their families.
"I'm committed to ensuring you are organized, trained and equipped to support and execute this unique mission for which we are responsible," he said.
Reese says he will also help each airman serve at their maximum potential.
"I will keep you focused on why we are here, why we wear this uniform and why our mission will not fail," Reese said.
Colonel Lindsay Droz served at Robins for two years. She will now serve at the Wright-Patterson base in Ohio.
Lt. General Hawkins says she'll be remembered for improving housing and safety conditions and building critical relationships throughout the base.