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AFDW guidon passed to Maj. Gen. Dunbar

  • Published
  • By Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. --  Maj. Gen. Sharon Dunbar officially took command of the Air Force District of Washington during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., July 26. The ceremony was hosted by Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Philip Breedlove.

Dunbar received the AFDW guidon from Breedlove, officially denoting the departure of Maj. Gen. Darren McDew.

"We wish to congratulate Sharon and Doug on this very special occasion as they cross the river to join the professionals of the Air Force District of Washington," said Breedlove. "Although she has big shoes to fill, Maj. Gen. Sharon Dunbar is an accomplished leader already, who has clearly met the challenge and will, no doubt, lead this team to further success."

"Maj. Gen. Dunbar sets the bar very, very high and she always exceeds the bar that she sets," Breedlove said. "General Schwartz, Secretary Donley and I have no doubt, Sharon, that you will continue to excel and continue to make our Air Force and AFDW a better place for those under your command."

Dunbar comes to AFDW after a decorated Air Force career serving in a variety of acquisition, political-military and force support positions. Her commands include a mission support squadron, Air Force Basic Military Training, and an air base wing. Most recently, she served as director of Force Management Policy, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.

In her speech, Dunbar acknowledged she is taking command of a unique organization with a multi-faceted mission. AFDW, headquartered at Joint Base Andrews, Md., is one of three Air Force Direct Reporting Units and is the parent command to the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing, 11th Wing, 79th Medical Wing, 844th Communications Group, and two ceremonial elements.

"This is a tremendous mission within the NCR and our responsibility within AFDW extends worldwide," said Dunbar, who was commissioned upon graduation from the U.S Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.

"[We have] so many unique missions and so many important missions here," she said. "I look forward to serving with you, side-by-side, as we continue to make good things happen."

McDew, who took command of AFDW in December 2010, has been selected for assignment as commander, 18th Air Force, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Prior to the change of command, McDew was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. The general's change of assignment also included a promotion to lieutenant general.

AFDW acts as the single Air Force voice for planning and implementing Air Force and joint solutions within the National Capital Region. AFDW organizes, trains, equips and provides forces for Air Expeditionary Force deployments, homeland operations and ceremonial support within the National Capital Region and worldwide. AFDW also provides support for approximately 40,000 Air Force military and civilian members in over 100 countries.