The Brownes bid farewell to Team Tyndall

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  After nearly two years as the 325th Fighter Wing commander, Brig. Gen. James S. Browne and his wife, Alison, will bid farewell to Tyndall Sept 9.

The general will pass leadership of the 325th Fighter Wing during a change of command ceremony to Brig. Gen. (S) Col. John McMullen, before departing for their new assignment as the director of operations at Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

The general and his wife welcome the new assignment, but said they are leaving Tyndall with heavy hearts. And although they are excited for the new experience, they said they are sad to leave such a great assignment.

"Our time here at Tyndall has been awesome," General Browne said. "When I took command here I said it felt like we were coming home. I started my flying career at Tyndall flying F-15s more than 22 years ago, and since then I have been on temporary duty here more times than I can count. It has been incredibly rewarding being able to serve here as the wing commander, with all this history."

The position General Browne is stepping into as the Director of Operations for Global Strike Command differs from his assignment here as the wing commander, especially when it comes to the type of aircraft he will deal with daily.

"We've been with fighters our whole career," said General Browne. "And to go to a command that deals with nuclear weapons and bombers will be something completely different."

Also different, will be his day-to-day responsibilities.

"Being a wing and an installation commander is different than being in a major command staff," said the general. "As a wing commander, you are responsible and accountable for everything that goes on within the organization and on the base. When you are on a major command staff, you are really a supporting asset to that major command commander."

While the Brownes agreed leaving will be hard on many levels, there is one thing both of them said they will miss the most.

"The people," the couple said in sync. "Being a part of Team Tyndall, meaning our active duty, guard, reserves, Defense Department civilians, contractors, dependents, and our local community, is what make this place very special. We will miss this whole team environment."

The couple also expressed how Tyndall members take pride in their jobs and the mission.

"Being here has revalidated how people here are doing the best they can at what they do and that we do things right," said General Browne. "That is the cool part of working with a great team. They know how they fit into the mission, they like what they are doing, and they know it is important. We have had two major inspections, an air show and the President of the United States visit. We routinely get high inspection results, high grades, and compliments highlighting the tremendous teamwork we have here at Tyndall."

The general has also spent a lot of his time working alongside young Airmen and learning their jobs. Aside from all the different technical skills he has been able to experience, he has noticed that the Airmen all recognize their job fits into the mission and the valuable role they play in accomplishing the mission.

"The Airmen here are so wonderful," Mrs. Browne said. "They have a true understanding of the mission."

Mrs. Browne also had praise for the local community and the support they have given the base.

And Airmen have returned the favor.

During General Browne's command, the wing received the Volunteer Florida Award from Governor Charlie Crist for the 35,000 volunteer hours Airmen contributed to the community.

"Our volunteerism is huge," the general said.

The general and his wife both commented on how proud they have been to work with such a devoted and driven team and a supportive community. The couple has even purchased property in Mexico Beach, and Mrs. Browne said it's for when they want to 'return to paradise for a bit.'

While they depart Tyndall with a heavy heart, they will look back on this assignment with fond memories.

"It's been truly a privilege and an honor to serve as not only a member of Team Tyndall, but part of a great community," General Browne said. "We will truly miss it."