By Master Sgt. Julie Briden-Garcia, 10th Air Force Public Affairs
/ Published November 10, 2011
FORT WORTH, TEXAS -- Making his move to Texas in a blaze of glory, Brig. Gen. William "Blaze" Binger is now the Air Force Reserve Command's Tenth Air Force commander. Located at the Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas, Binger assumed command from Maj. Gen. Frank J. Padilla after two and a half years at 10th AF on Nov. 5.
This is the most diverse numbered Air Force in AFRC explained Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner, Jr., Chief of Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and Commander, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., who officiated over the ceremony.
"You will undergo numerous changes in mission and size through this re-missioning structure of our NAFs. Though this NAF will continue providing firepower to the war-fighter, they will also face some changes in the next year. Air Force Reserve officials recently announced plans to streamline and restructure 10th Air Force and other NAFs by Fiscal Year 2012."
Binger, also a Fighting Falcon F-16 command pilot with more than 4,500 flight hours, including 40 combat missions over Iraq, expressed his enthusiasm in taking on his new position.
"This is an exciting time to lead 10th AF, and I'm honored to be part of the long blue line of professional Airmen who have commanded the power and vigilance NAF."
Tenth AF responsibilities encompass all fighter, bomber, special operations, rescue, airborne warning and control, flying training, combat air operations battle staff, remotely-piloted aircraft, space and cyber units in AFRC.
When mobilized, or used in a full-time or part-time capacity, these units provide reserve combat capability to Air Combat Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Pacific Air Forces, Air Force Space Command, Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Education and Training Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency.
The upcoming transformation will be one felt across the entire AFRC including the other two NAFs, 22nd AF, located at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., and 4th AF at March Air Reserve Base, Calif. Binger emphasized that next year's changes can only be accomplished with everyone's help and patience.
"It 's true the re-missioning efforts to gain FOC [Full Operational Capability] status will have the 10th AF staff reduce in size and shift its focus to readiness, but this will not be done by luck or chance, it will be accomplished by plan and over a 12-24 month period," Binger said. "I see this change as an opportunity to make our NAF better more focused and combat ready - it will increase our potential with new missions and a total force integration opportunity with our active-duty component partners."
Stenner also thanked the Airmen in the crowd for staying vigilant and professional during this time of war and change.
"Tenth Air Force, the most diverse NAF in the Air Force Reserve, is focusing on the operational aspects and the readiness of this command," said Stenner. "Frank has done a great job. This numbered Air Force's capability is ready for the future ... it has been characterized by change, a high-ops tempo and an evolution into an operationally-focused piece for the warfighter. "
As the outgoing commander, Padilla, becomes the new Deputy Inspector General for the Air Force at the Pentagon, stated, "What a privilege it was to serve with such incredible Airmen and Warriors representing the power and vigilance of the Air Force Reserve Command and that, with the contributions of everyone in our 16,000 member organization, they continue to prove over and over again that we are indeed ... the Perfect Ten!"