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Col. Jeannie Leavitt speaks to the crowd during the wing change of command ceremony oJune 1, 2012, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. Leavitt is the first female to command an Air Force fighter wing. Since becoming the first mission-qualified female fighter pilot, she has logged more than 2,500 hours in the F-15E Strike Eagle. Leavitt is the 4th Fighter Wing commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson)
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4th FW holds historic change of command
Posted 6/1/2012
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by Staff Sgt. Chuck Broadway
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
6/1/2012 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFNS) -- Col. Jeannie Leavitt assumed command of the 4th Fighter Wing from Col. Patrick Doherty during a change-of-command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., June 1.
Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, the 9th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony.
"With the departure of one leader, we welcome a new one," Wells said. "Colonel Leavitt has an innovative spirit, a talent for teamwork, and this will be essential to lead the 4th Fighter Wing to new heights. This change of command ceremony reminds us of what we have today: great commanders leading great warriors."
Leavitt comes to Seymour Johnson AFB from Washington, D.C., where she was assigned to the Central Intelligence Agency as a chief of staff of the air Force fellow. She was assigned to Seymour Johnson AFB on two other occasions. During her first four years, she served as an instructor pilot and assistant chief of weapons and standards evaluations for the 336th Fighter Squadron. During her second stint here, she commanded the 333rd Fighter Squadron among other duties.
"If you've ever dreamed of being a part of something bigger than yourself, then realize that you have that opportunity now," Leavitt said to her Airmen after assuming command. "You're creating the next chapter in 4th Fighter Wing history, and our continued success depends on each and every one of you. I can't say enough about Colonel Doherty for building such a fine, professional organization."
Once she took hold of the guidon, Leavitt became the first female to lead an Air Force fighter wing, one of many firsts in Leavitt's groundbreaking career.
"The men and women of the 4th FW will remain in strong, steady and sure hands," Wells said. "Colonel Leavitt brings a leadership style that enhances and promotes commitment to service and a track record of successes. She is the right person to pick up where Colonel Doherty left off. The 4th Fighter Wing's performance will continue to have a direct impact on our nation's security."
Under Doherty's command, the 4th FW generated more than 21,000 sorties, 5,000 of which were in combat. Doherty oversaw the largest amount of construction in base history as well, with improvements to military family housing, dormitories and the airfield all completed under his command. In the past two years, the wing was presented with more than 100 awards for excellence at the major command and Air Force levels.
"The thing I'm most proud of is the wing's fighting spirit in the face of adversity," Doherty said in his final speech to the 4th FW. "We've fought through adversity with the sole intent of making ourselves better. What this team has accomplished is eye-watering. I have the greatest respect for all of you."
Doherty departs the 4th FW en route to become the director of assignments for the Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.
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