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Major General Morrow takes helm at 1st AF

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scott Farley
  • 1st Air Force Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Maj. Gen. Henry Morrow took command of First Air Force, Air Forces Northern, and the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region at a change of command ceremony here Wednesday.

General Morrow is the former mobilization assistant to the commander, NORAD, and comes to Tyndall with more than 28 years service in the Air Force. He has served tours in the United Kingdom, Germany and Qatar, where he directed the Combined Air Operations Center for U.S. Central Command Air Forces. He is a combat veteran and command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours in trainer and fighter aircraft.

"I'm very fortunate to serve with some of the finest professionals in the nation while living and working in this great community," General Morrow said. "I know of no other military community that enjoys the level of support from its host community as here in Bay County and surrounding areas."

"I have no doubt that, together with Brig. Gen. Tod Wolters (325th Fighter Wing commander) the relationship between our communities will grow even stronger," he said.

As commander of 1st AF and NORAD region, General Morrow assumes responsibility for the air sovereignty and air defense of the continental U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. He directs and coordinates the efforts of the Combined Air Operations Center here and its geographically separated defense sectors and fighter wings. First AF plans, conducts, controls, and coordinates all Air Force forces for the NORAD-NORTHCOM commander.

General Morrow replaced Maj. Gen. M. Scott Mayes, who retired after more than 36 years of service.

During the ceremony General Mayes expressed his gratitude for serving and lauded the 1st AF team.

"This is the hardest working bunch I've ever been around, and their pride stands out like a beacon. They are dedicated, and will not quit, ever," General Mayes said. "They are winners, and that's a great thing for America. For whatever positive effect I may have had while my hand has been on the tiller here, I am truly grateful for this team of warriors."

Admiral Timothy Keating, NORAD and U.S. Northern Command commander, and General Ronald Keys, Air Combat Command commander, officiated at the ceremony. Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley, Air National Guard director and former 1st AF commander, was also in attendance.