20th Air Force, Task Force 214 welcome new commander

by Staff Sgt. Torri Ingalsbe
90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

12/20/2013 - F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Maj. Gen. Jack Weinstein assumed command of the 20th Air Force, Dec. 19 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.

Active-duty Airmen, Reserve, retired, family and friends attended the ceremony. Among the guests were commanders, command chiefs and civic leaders from 20th Air Force's three missile bases here, from Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and from Minot AFB, N.D. The presence of all reinforced the continuing importance of the Air Force's nuclear deterrence and global strike forces.
"I'm honored to wear this uniform, and represent the Airmen of the 20th Air Force," Weinstein said during the ceremony.

Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander of U.S. Strategic Command; and Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, were on hand to officiate the assumption of command.

"20th Air Force has a unique, long and proud history," Haney said. "Some of the best talent in the United States of America is here, and I can't thank you enough for your service to our country."

The admiral spoke about the importance of the nuclear mission to national security, and particularly the strength and stability the ICBM mission brings to the fight.

"This triad will continue to provide deterrence and assurance well into the future," he said. "The ICBM provides exceptionally secure command and control. That success is due to the professional force that operates, maintains and secures these systems."
He added that the ICBM world needs to not only have extraordinary operators, but also the best leaders.

"There are two constant requirements for Task Force 214 - the excellence of the people who operate within it, and the quality and dedication of those who lead them."

Haney expressed his confidence in Weinstein and thanked the Airmen of 20th AF, and their families, for their service and dedication to the mission.
"I'm humbled by your commitment to excellence," he said. "It's the reason I can look the President in the eye, and the secretary of defense, and unequivocally say, 'We are ready.'"
Wilson shared his trust and confidence in Weinstein's ability to lead the Airmen of the 20th AF.

"There are three things you need in this command - to be an expert, be a leader and be ready," Wilson said. "Those words describe Jack. Every job he's ever held, he's become an expert. He has led at every level. He leaves every unit better, both the people and the mission. He is absolutely ready for the challenge. He has the courage and commitment we need as a nation to lead the 20th Air Force today."
Weinstein accepted command, acknowledging his responsibility to the Airmen of the 20th AF, as well as to the American people.

"Flawless nuclear surety is our keystone," he said. "It's what I expect, what the STRATCOM commander demands and what the American people deserve."

He thanked his family for their support, and echoed both Haney and Wilson's words about the tremendous history and legacy of the 20th AF.

"Today's 20th Air Force Airmen continue the legacy of their predecessors," he said. "They are serving their Nation with the same focus, sacrifice and dedication of those who served in the 'Greatest Generation.' They have earned their place as 'Today's Greatest Generation.'"

Weinstein expressed his honor to serve side-by-side with the Airmen of the 20th, as well as other Task Force commanders around the world.
"The United States is the greatest country this world has ever seen," he said. "The ICBM professionals of the 20th Air Force are dedicated to keep it that way."