24th AF officials conduct first change of command by Tech. Sgt. Scott McNabb 24th Air Force Public Affairs 5/4/2011 - LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Maj. Gen. Suzanne M. Vautrinot assumed command of 24th Air Forces during a change-of-command ceremony here April 29. General Vautrinot replaced Maj. Gen. Richard E. Webber, who retired after 36 years of service. General William L. Shelton, the Air Force Space Command commander, presided over the ceremony and began by recognized General Webber for standing up 24th Air Force less than two years ago. "Under his steadfast leadership, the 24th (Air Force) went from activation to declaration of full up capability in an amazingly short 14 months," said the AFSPC commander. "Twenty-fourth Air Force was also formally designated as the Air Force operational component to U.S. Cyber Command. Clearly these are historic achievements and it's a testament to Dick Webber's leadership skills to harness the talents of this outstanding group of professionals and by any measure he has built an incredible team." General Shelton said while the commander has changed, the newest numbered air force remains in the right hands because General Vautrinot has the right blend of leadership skills, technical savvy, operational and policy expertise and strategic outlook. "The bottom line for (General Vautrinot) here is that 24th Air Force is gaining a commander who understands the joint warfighter's cyber needs," said General Shelton. "And as commander of the Air Force operational component to U.S. Cyber Command, she will be in a position to make sure the Air Force delivers on its promises. General Vautrinot took her first salute as commander of 24th Air Force then ordered the formation commander to put the troops at ease. She explained the action was not for a frivolous reason. "I know you can stand tall, and you have stood tall in the service of this nation, in your service to our Air Force and to our combatant commands," she said to the Airmen in formation. "I put you at ease so you could look around." General Vautrinot then asked the formation to look around and see all the agencies and men and women who were there in support of the Airmen of 24th Air Force. "You work in a largely virtual world, yet here is a physical representation of the support you have from across the military, across the community and our nation, and it starts at the very top," she said. General Vautrinot previously served as a special assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force in Washington.