Lt. Gen. Glenn Spears officially took control of the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) during a change of command ceremony Friday morning at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
The 45-minute event, held in a hangar with an assortment of aircraft parked just outside its doors, marked the end of outgoing commander Lt. Gen. Norman Seip's tenure.
Seip, who is retiring from the Air Force in October after 35 years, had been in charge since July 7, 2006.
"I'm privileged to have served alongside you," Seip told those in attendance. "The airmen of the 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern got the job done."
Local politicians and hundreds of airmen in both dress blues and fatigues were on hand.
Though a mostly symbolic ceremony, complete with military band — on loan from the U.S. Army's Fort Huachuca, near Sierra Vista — the change of command is still an important part of Air Force tradition, Chief Master Sgt. Matt Gadziala said.
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"This is a part of our military that's so important," said Gadziala. "It's still important to remember these small traditions."
What's the 12th Air Force?
The 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) is the air component of the U.S. Southern Forces Command, which is responsible for the combat readiness of seven wings, two direct reporting units and 14 Air Force National Guard and Air Force Reserve units in the western and midwestern U.S. The 12th Air Force is also responsible for all aircraft operating in Central and Southern America and the Caribbean.
About the new guy
Lt. Gen. Glenn Spears joined the Air Force in 1978 after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He is a command pilot with more than 3,400 flying hours in 13 types of aircraft, and before taking over the 12th Air Force, he served as deputy commander of the U.S. Southern Command in Miami, Fla.
By the numbers
43,500
Approximate personnel under control of new 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander Lt. Gen. Glenn Spears.
37
Months the 12th Air Force was led by Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, who took control July 6, 2006.
450-500
Estimated attendance of Friday's change of command ceremony. Attendees included U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup.
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