940th Wing holds historical re-designation ceremony

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Luke Johnson
  • 9th RW Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (ACCNS) --  A new chapter of 940th Wing history began July 11 during the Unit Training Assembly weekend as the wing held its re-designation ceremony. 

The ceremony officially relinquished the 940th Air Refueling Wing and stood up the 940th Wing. 

The presiding officer in the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Frank Padilla, 10th Air Force commander, lauded the 940th Wing in embracing its new mission and also its commitment to the total force integration (TFI) initiative. 

"No one has been better than the 940th Wing, teamed with the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, to embrace change and to embrace the total force initiative," said General Padilla. "It has become AFRC [Air Force Reserve Command's] showcase for TFI. It's the very first command to embrace the combat capabilities in four major core TFI areas; distributed ground system, high altitude ISR [intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance], AOC [air operations center], and AFFOR [Air Force forces operations]." 

He quoted several Air Force leaders on the exceptional job the 940th Wing has done in adapting to its new mission. General Padilla said the commander of AFRC, Lt. Gen. Charles Stenner and the vice chief of staff of the Air Force singled out Beale as leading the way in TFI. 

He also stated the new 940th Wing will continue to evolve with ever-changing missions of the Air Force. 

"It was an act of wisdom to call it the 940th Wing, instead of naming it a reconnaissance wing, command and control wing or ISR wing because we are not constrained by limitations. Our wing will be able to grow and respond to our country's, Air Force missions and requirements, and I am very proud of that," said General Padilla. 

Col. Jeffrey Mineo, 940th Wing commander, praised 940th Airmen on the outstanding legacy the 940th achieved and also on embracing the wing's new missions. 

"Today has a twofold purpose; one is to mark progress on the path to transformation, but we also have to recognize that today commemorates our proud heritage and traditions from over 35 years of history and of safe flying," said Colonel Mineo. "There has been no class A mishaps around the Sacramento area; that is a marvelous achievement." 

He also asked Airmen who have served with the 940th from Mather to McClellan to stand and be recognized for their accomplishments and the tradition they bring to the new wing. 

"These people have pioneered the change for us to get us to the point where we are today," said Colonel Mineo. "I relied on these people to carry us through a difficult time." 

Colonel Mineo stated even though the change in mission has been a difficult path, 940th Airmen have stepped up to ensure success of the wing's new missions. 

"In the year-and-a-half that I've been here, I have seen the folks do some amazing things," said Colonel Mineo. "I am truly humbled to be part of this major milestone in the history of the 940th."