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Lt. Gen. Spears assumes command of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern)

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Lt. Gen. Glenn Spears assumed command of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) in a ceremony here Aug. 7. 

Lt. Gen. Norman Seip relinquished command of the unit, and will retire Oct. 1 after a 35-year career. General Seip commanded 12th AF (AFSOUTH) for three years. Prior to the change of command ceremony, members of the unit hailed the former commander at a farewell dinner held on base Aug. 6. 

Gen. John Corley, Commander, Air Combat Command, presided over the change of command ceremony. Numerous military, civilian and local dignitaries attended the event, including Gen. Douglas Fraser, the U.S. Southern Command commander.
Prior to assuming command of 12th AF (AFSOUTH), General Spears served as the U.S. Southern Command deputy commander. He is a command pilot with more than 3,400 flying hours in 13 types of Air Force aircraft. 

"I am deeply honored to be given this opportunity to command the legendary Twelfth Air Force," General Spears said. "This command will continue to ensure that our Airmen are ready to defend our nation, support global operations and help build the capabilities of partner nation air forces in Latin America and the Caribbean. My wife, Kim, and I would like to thank General Seip and Kathleen for their exemplary service, leadership and friendship." 

"Today, the men and women of Twelfth Air Force welcome General Spears as their new commander," General Seip said during his farewell address. "As I hand over our unit's guidon, I know this Numbered Air Force, this community and this service is in good hands. 

"I owe a personal debt of gratitude to the people who have helped to make the past three years a success - the Airmen of Twelfth Air Force. These warriors, ambassadors and friends are the ones who have made our initiatives a success, forged friendships in the Americas and defended freedom abroad. Thank you for your unselfish service," added General Seip. 

Air Forces Southern is the air component to USSOUTHCOM while 12th Air Force is the war fighting headquarters responsible for the combat readiness of seven active-duty wings, two direct reporting units, and 14 Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units in the Western and Midwestern United States. In addition, AFSOUTH leads the 612th Air Operations Center, the air and space command and control center located at Davis-Monthan AFB responsible for aircraft operating in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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