CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony June 28 at Nose Dock 2.
Maj. Gerald McCray, recent graduate of the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, with a master's degree in air mobility, replaced Maj. Brad Tannehill. Major Tannehill will assume the duties of munitions officer for the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
Major McCray is from Mokane, Mo., and has a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. He was commissioned into the Air Force in 1992 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program.
How do you feel about coming to Charleston?
I am very excited about being back in the South. A good portion of our career has been spent in the South and I'm glad to be back. Charleston AFB has a great tradition of making the mission happen and I'm very proud to be a part of this great team.
What are your initial plans as the new commander?
First and foremost, it's important to foster a culture of safety and technical order usage. That will be a consistent message throughout my tenure. A main focus for the first few months of my command will be on preparing for the upcoming logistics standardization evaluation program inspection.
What is the goal and mission of your agency?
Provide safe and reliable aircraft to the aircrews to allow for the on-time delivery of airmen and cargo in support of the war fighter.
What are your expectations of your team?
Know your job, do your job, be professional and take care of each other.
What was your most memorable assignment and why?
I spent 13 months in Iraq as part of the advisory support team for the Iraqi Air Force's first C-130 squadron. I was responsible for training the Iraqi squadron on all logistics processes, the maintenance, supply and aerial port operations. It was both fun and challenging to be on the ground floor of standing up a new Air Force and being able to develop their team on both a technical and professional level.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I was raised on a small cattle farm where I had my own herd of beef cattle until I came in the Air Force.
What is your major pet peeve?
Being pessimistic about situations, there is always a silver lining and as the old saying goes, "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger."
What is your favorite quote?
I have two of them, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me." Philippians 4:13 and "Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right." -- Henry Ford