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Maj. Gen. McDew takes command of AFDW

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chyenne A. Adams
  • AFDW Public Affairs
Maj. Gen. Darrell D. Jones relinquished command of the Air Force District of Washington to Maj. Gen. Darren W. McDew in a ceremony presided over by Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler on Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Dec. 9.

"The Air Force District of Washington is a relatively unique organization," General Chandler said. "Its commander reports directly to the chief of staff of the Air Force and provides a single Air Force voice and component to the Joint Force Headquarters, National Capital Region."

AFDW organizes, trains and equips combat forces for deployment in support of expeditionary operations, homeland defense, civil support, and special national security events. The Air Force Band and Honor Guard are also assigned to AFDW, in addition to two wings and one group.

AFDW is also chartered with serving Air Force elements worldwide and providing support for approximately 40,000 Air Force military and civilian members in over 500 locations in more than 108 countries. The command's motto is 'Service always, support to civil authorities when asked, and contingency response when needed.'

"Simply put, AFDW is a multi-faceted, busy organization," said General Chandler in his description of the command.

The vice chief of staff also said the outgoing AFDW commander, General Jones, is leaving behind a positive, enduring legacy with many accomplishments during his tenure. General Jones will soon be promoted to lieutenant general and will serve as the next Air Force deputy chief of staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services at the Pentagon.

AFDW's new commander, General McDew, comes to the command from the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, where he served as vice director of Strategic Plans and Policy, playing a role in developing and advancing U.S. military strategy.

The incoming commander is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours in a variety of aircraft and a variety of assignments, including aide to the secretary of defense and the president of the United States, and director of Air Force Public Affairs.

He has also commanded an airlift squadron, an operations group, an air expeditionary group, and two airlift wings, and served as vice commander of the Air Force's largest numbered Air Force.

"In short, his experience, people skills, political savvy, and reputation inside and outside the [nation's capital] make him the ideal match for this command," said General Chandler.

General Jones used his last speech to thank his fellow leadership and the staff of AFDW, the joint warfighting and mission partners he worked with during his tenure, the men and women of the Air Force Band and Honor Guard, and the people at the wings and group under AFDW.

In expressing his gratitude, he included those at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, the new 11th Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, the 79th Medical Wing, and the 844th Communications Group. He also thanked his wife, Holly, and family for their support throughout his command, and welcomed the new commander and his family.

"To everyone in the Air Force District of Washington: thank you for your help, your support and your friendship," he said. "As General Chandler said, we're not going far. So we'll see you around D.C. and around the halls of the Pentagon."

The new AFDW commander said he's honored to be following in the footsteps of General Jones. In addressing the ceremony attendees, General McDew offered these words:
"I'm looking forward to building on General Jones' great momentum and work. I believe strongly in the core tenets of AFDW - superior service, civil support, [and] contingency response. But I know, as all of you do, that we've lived up to those already.

"But as our military continues to change and evolve, so must this command. I urge you to think about how we can do even better with tomorrow's challenges. With those three tenets in mind and commitment to improving on each of them, let me give you three of my very own guiding principles I've used my entire career.

"We in AFDW will be renowned for excellence, committed to superior service, and committed to exceptional support. We have the talents and the tools to get there today. So I ask each of you to renew your commitment to making the NCR a great place for all of our military families to call home.

"You, the men and women of the Air Force District of Washington, make a difference every single day for the more than 40,000 Airmen we support. You fulfill some of the most solemn and revered missions that we have as a service. You embody our core values.

"You are truly ambassadors in blue to our government's most senior leaders, and to every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, Coastie and family member you meet; every person in the local community; and the parents and loved ones of our Wounded Warriors and Fallen Comrades. Evelyn and I are very blessed to join your team today, and I thank you very, very much."