Triple change of command ceremony to be held at Bolling

  • Published
  • By Linda Card
  • AFDW Public Affairs
BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, D.C. --  Bolling is preparing for a triple change-of-command ceremony scheduled for April 14 at 9 a.m. on the Bolling ceremonial lawn.

During the ceremony, the Air Force District of Washington, Air Force National Capital Region and 11th Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Duane A. Jones will relinquish command of AFDW and AFNCR to Maj. Gen. Robert L. Smolen. General Jones will also relinquish command of the 11th Wing.

Prior to his selection as AFDW commander, General Smolen served as strategic policy and arms control director for the National Security Council, a part of the Executive Office of the President at the White House.

Col. Merri B. Uckert, currently the 11th Wing vice commander, will serve as the acting 11th Wing commander until Col. Kurt F. Neubauer assumes command of the wing this summer. She has been assigned to the 11th Wing as the vice commander since February 2004.

Colonel Neubauer is currently assigned to the National War College, where he serves as an instructor and the chief of staff for the Air Force Chair.

To complete the command separation between AFDW and 11th Wing, Col. Uckert will act solely as the 11th Wing commander and Col. Bruce W. Deane, current AFNCR vice commander, will become the AFDW vice commander.

Members of AFDW, 11th Wing, 89th Wing, Bolling tenant organizations and other guests are invited to attend this special event.

A reception at the Bolling Clubs will immediately follow the ceremony. Uniform of the day or civilian business attire is required.