Stenner takes reins of Air Force Reserve

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Matt Proietti
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. assumed command of the Air Force Reserve and its 68,000 members June 24 in a ceremony at the Air Force Memorial here.

He succeeds Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, who held the post since 2004.

"I'm excited to lead the finest group of warriors I have ever known," General Stenner said. "These are Airmen who have to maintain a balance with their family, their military commitments, their civilian career and their community."

The ceremony was held at the base of three stainless steel spires that dominate the memorial, which overlooks the Pentagon and offers a view of other Washington landmarks.

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Duncan McNabb officiated and said the command is getting a "remarkable leader" in General Stenner.

"Command is not a new role for (him)," General McNabb said. "It is what he was made for, and what he loves doing. He knows where we are going as an Air Force and he understands where the Air Force Reserve fits as an integral part of the Total Force."

General Stenner assumes a dual role which requires him to divide his time between serving as chief of the Air Force Reserve in Washington while also being head of the Air Force Reserve Command at Robins AFB, Ga.

He has been assistant deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs at the Pentagon for two years. Before that he served as director of operations at command headquarters and director of plans and programs there before transferring to Washington. He has commanded four operations groups and two fighter wings.

General Stenner is a command pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours in the F-4 Phantom, A-10 Thunderbolt and F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Speaking June 23 at the Pentagon, General Stenner said his immediate goal is to keep the Air Force Reserve on a steady course as it works with its active-duty and Air National Guard partners.

"The Air Force has some very, very good objectives for the way ahead (in) winning the war on terror, taking care of our people and recapitalizing this Air Force to include the Air Force Reserve," he said. "Our reserve warriors are going to continue in their assigned duties. They've been doing it exceptionally well and I expect that to continue."

General McNabb said General Stenner takes command of the Reserve at a time when the Air Force "is engaged in a battle of good over evil, hope over despair, light over darkness and freedom over tyranny."

"(We) are our nation's sword and shield...and we will go to the most dangerous place on the planet...tonight...to defend freedom and protect America," he said. "The line between regular and reserve forces is indistinguishable, and we are the benchmark service for the joint team on how to integrate the right way."

General Stenner acknowledged sacrifices made by his family and those of all reservists, ending his comments with a simple statement to those in uniform.

"Now let's go to work," he said. 

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