New vice commander joins Team Holloman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Heather Stanton
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  A new face in wing leadership has come to the Friendliest Place on Earth and joined Team Holloman.

Col. Michael McGee, new 49th Fighter Wing vice commander, is excited about the opportunities Holloman holds because of its unique location.

"We have the incredible opportunity to get the world's best joint test and training in addition to being located in the friendliest community you could ever hope to live in," the vice commander said. "The wing vision is threefold. First to continue building on the best realistic joint combat training, second to transition through innovation, and third to take care of each other in every area possible, and that includes all organizations on Holloman and our great relationship with the community off base."

The Durham, N.C., native joined the Air Force in July, 1987, because he felt a calling to serve his country and wanted to fly. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy as a distinguished graduate.

Colonel McGee has three heroes: his mother, his father and every young man and woman who, day in and day out, volunteer to serve the United States, especially those in direct combat situations.

"My mother is my hero for her ability to show compassion and persistence, and for never giving up on me," he said. "My father for the man he is, what he's done in his life, what he stands for, and his dedication and commitment to excellence in everything he does. Finally, I am always awed by the commitment and professionalism of our Airmen. Their selfless sacrifice is a motivator for myself, and I remind myself daily how much we all owe them for their service, especially our men and women downrange fighting daily in harm's way."

The colonel's father was a college football coach and has been a significant leadership example. "Watching him develop boys into men taught me a lot about leading individuals toward common causes," the colonel said. "Though our cause is infinitely more important than winning football games, some of the same leadership tactics apply."

Colonel McGee believes basic leadership principles are timeless, such as integrity, leading by example physically and in mission, absolute dedication to the mission, and service before self.

"Establishing these are key to giving an organization a solid foundation. As you develop personally, you further learn that certain facets of leadership need to adjust to different people and different situations," he said. "Certain skills required to lead in combat may be different from those required to lead back home."

Within his career, the colonel has flown F-16s in Operation Proven Force and Southern Watch and participated in ground combat with the Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The colonel's focus during his tenure at Holloman will be to retire the F-117A Nighthawk with class and style while bringing on the newest Air Force Air Dominance fighter, the F-22A Raptor. He will also continue to focus on producing the best prepared expeditionary Airmen who are fully ready for combat when called. Finally he will focus on ensuring the Holloman community is fully supporting each other, to include their great families.