Barrett takes command of 18th AF

Maj. Gen. Sam Barrett took command of 18th Air Force from Lt. Gen. GI Tuck during a ceremony here, July 31.

Tuck will move to the Pentagon, where he will serve as the Director for Logistics, J-4, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia.

“It has been my absolute honor to work with some of the highest quality public servants, both military and civilian, within 18th Air Force, Air Mobility Command, and the United States Transportation Command,” said Tuck.

Barrett comes to 18 AF from his position as the Director of operations, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB.

“Looking forward, let’s keep the focus on our great Airmen clear,” said Barrett. “Tell them to continue to do their jobs the same amazing way they have always done so, with integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all that they do.”

“And to do so in such a way that any adversary, big or small, anywhere in the world, will have no doubt that in the 18th Air Force, we fly, we fight, and we always win. Let’s keep it that way,” he added.

Barrett received his commission upon graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1988. He’s a command pilot with more than 4,400 hours in several mobility airlift aircraft.

No stranger to leading Airmen, Barrett has been commander of the 350th Air Refueling Squadron at McConnell AFB, Kansas; Vice Commander and then Commander, 15th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; and Commander, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, U.S. Transportation Command, Norfolk, Virginia.

“Time and time again, he’s proven himself as an exceptional aviator, leader, and one who knows the Air Mobility business inside and out,” said Gen. Carlton Everhart, AMC commander and officiant of the ceremony. “(Barrett), you know what our Airmen need. You worked hard to get there. You are the right person for the job.”

This story was originally published August 1, 2018 at 12:08 PM.