72nd Air Base Wing gets new commander

  • Published
  • By Jillian Coleman
  • 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Tinker Air Force Base gained a new installation commander May 1, as Col. Stephanie Wilson relinquished command of the 72nd Air Base Wing to Col. Kenyon Bell. The traditional ceremony was held at the Tinker Club.

Wilson’s Tinker tenure was inundated with accomplishments and achievements, according to Air Force Sustainment Center Commander Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II. Praising the outgoing commander for her consistency, poise and style, Levy acknowledged her most noteworthy moments in the Air Base Wing to a room full of distinguished Air Force and community leaders, fellow Airmen and friends.

“Colonel Wilson delivered a world-class presentation during a presidential visit when she was brand new to the job,” the general said. “Her leadership and commitment to excellence helped drive the 72nd ABW to achieve a coveted rating during an UEI, all while providing incredible mission support to Tinker Air Force Base, the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, the 552nd Air Control Wing, Strategic Communications Wing ONE and the 507th Air Refueling Wing.”

The general also presented Wilson with the Legion of Merit, recognizing her outstanding leadership and persistent collaborative efforts that readied the base for the bed-down of the KC-46A Pegasus campus. The installment ensures $111 million in facilities and infrastructure are ahead of schedule for aircraft to receive depot level maintenance by 2018.

The last two years with Colonel Wilson at the helm have been hallmarked by success, culminating her distinguished 24-year career in the United States Air Force. She withheld tears as she addressed and thanked her commanders and Wildcatters for their unwavering support and professionalism.

“The 72nd Air Base Wing is unlike any other,” Wilson said. “I’ve been a part of high-speed units in my past, but everyone is firing on all cylinders all the time, performing and taking care of the mission without missing a beat.”

The outgoing commander spoke directly to her successor in closing comments, confident in the qualities, experience and capabilities Bell brings to the wing.

“I’ve worked across base from you for two years and you’re an amazing leader,” Wilson said. “I look forward to the new feats of success that you will lead this Air Base Wing to achieve. My family and I wish you and yours continued success in the United States Air Force.”

Bell comes to the Air Base Wing having commanded the 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group, so he is familiar with the people, the place and the tempo. Levy, who considered the new commander to be “the only one who came to mind,” had to out-wrangle numerous competitors to keep Bell for the wing. As a commander, Bell is no stranger to the high challenges and expectation the job brings, but the general reminded him that Team Tinker is “confident in you and are invested in your success.”

Bell’s previous leadership roles include two operational squadrons, one being the first commander of the 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron in Afghanistan. He has also served as Strategy Branch Chief and later Readiness Branch Chief at the Pentagon before becoming deputy commander for the 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group and commander of the 76th AMXG.

“I’m honored to be here, accepting the reigns of command from Colonel Wilson,” Bell expressed.

He introduced a host of guests, including the wing’s new Command Chief Master Sgt. Melissa Erb, before speaking to the demands of his new role. Acknowledging his passion for leading and being in command, Bell thanked Wilson for her professionalism and service, and providing a wing that is “clicking on all cylinders.”

“As I embark upon this great responsibility, I look forward to serving this wing, our mission partners and this community,” Bell began. “The multiple players who work and serve on Tinker Air Force Base perform a great mission for our U.S. Air Force and I am proud to continue that – fellow wing commanders and mission partners, that is my pledge to you.

“To the men and women of the 72nd Air Base Wing, your exceptional work stands front and center every single day,” Bell continued. “It is an honor to be your commander and I look forward to earning your trust and serving right alongside you.”