McMullens bid farewell to Tyndall

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The white sandy beaches and emerald green waters that stretch down Panama City's coast will no longer be the aerial view for Brig. Gen. John McMullen, 325th Fighter Wing commander.

He and his wife, Kimberly, are trading in Tyndall's coastal temperatures and paradise views for lush mountains, seasonal temperatures, and German culture at their next assignment at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

After nearly fourteen months of selfless service, Tyndall will bid farewell to General and Mrs. McMullen in an official ceremony Nov. 14.

When first receiving word of their assignment to the beautiful Florida Panhandle, they felt ecstatic.

"We were both very happy to have the opportunity to move to Tyndall," said General McMullen. "It is our third time here and we have a very special place in our heart for this area. We just love it."

Echoing the sentiments, Mrs. McMullen said it was her dream assignment.

I was beside myself because I had a lot of great memories from here and I love the Gulf Coast, she added. I also think this is a great wing.

Although the return to Tyndall came with excitement, the general knew he had to come prepared to work and quickly set his targets for his role as wing commander.

When the general first arrived, the F-22s were still grounded. His first goal was to get them flying and start producing students again.

"My second goal was to increase sortie production, which we are doing but, still aren't where I want them to be," General McMullen continued. "I would have liked to have had another eight to nine months to bring that goal to fruition. My third and final goal was to set the conditions for success for the 8th Fighter Squadron."

Along the path to accomplishing his goals, the general said he worked alongside a lot of amazing Airmen.

"The mission and the people have been the best part," the general said. "There are a lot of great Airmen here doing a lot of great things to get the mission done. We also have great mission partners here at First Air Force, Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, and the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group."

Although, the move seems bittersweet, they are still looking forward to the road ahead.

"When we were stationed in England, I used to always say 'I would love to be stationed at Ramstein,'" Mrs. McMullen said. "We have some great friends over there, so we are excited to reunite. The thing about overseas assignments, that I like, is that it is a little more of a family feel because everyone is away from home. I have never been stationed at Ramstein, but people say wonderful things."

The general looks forward to another challenging and rewarding assignment.

"It is a NATO job, so I will be working with a lot of international partners," said General McMullen. "I'm excited to be able to build some relationships with the European military and from a professional stand point; I think it is going to be a lot of fun. But, I am also looking forward to having the opportunity to visit different countries in Europe. We both had a great time traveling last time we were in that region."

But, the fun time in Bay County will not be easily forgotten.

"There are so many things that I will miss," the general said. "Ultimately, when I leave any place, I miss the mission. But, I also miss the people that I worked with everyday that helped me problem-solve and get us to where we are today. I always leave with the hope that I will see some of them again."

Mrs. McMullen shares many of the same loves for the Tyndall community as her husband does.

"I have loved everything about it," Mrs. McMullen said. "I love the weather; I love the base; I love the housing; and I love the people. We have four awesome group commanders and their spouses, and we couldn't have asked for a better group."

The McMullens will pass on their positions to Col. David Graff, current 325th FW vice commander, and his wife Jamee.

"We couldn't be happier for 'Otto' and Jamee," the general said. "They are a great Air Force family. Colonel Graff has done great things in his career. I think that he will pick up where I left off, and he will take this wing to the next level."

Mrs. McMullen said she is leaving the first spouse's position in good hands.

"Jamee, on the spouse's side, is extremely energetic, creative, focused," said Mrs. McMullen. "She will do great things for this wing. She is truly a great person."

The McMullens, as a final departing message, wish to thank everything they have lived and worked alongside.

"Thank you for your great work, I appreciate your service and loyalty," said General McMullen. "We are getting to where we need to be, but we are not there yet, so keep pushing so that we can bed-down the new squadron and get to the mission of projecting combat power.

"I would also like to thank the local community for what they do to support the base and support the Airmen. Their contribution is essential to the day in and day out operations of the base."

The official change of command will take place Nov. 14 in Hangar 1.