349th welcomes new commander, says farewell as outgoing commander retires

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Wendy Weidenhamer
  • 349th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Col. Maryanne Miller assumed command of the 349th Air Mobility Wing Jan. 13, during a change-of-command ceremony in Hangar 818.

"I want to thank everyone here for their warm welcome and gracious hospitality," said Colonel Miller. "I'm excited about the future and although 2008 will be a busy year with deployments, inspections, and the day-to-day mission tempo, I believe there is none better than the 349th to get things done."

Colonel Miller succeeded Brig. Gen. Thomas Gisler, Jr., who had been wing commander since July 2003 and is retiring from the Air Force after 35 years of service. General Gisler and his wife, Cleo, will remain in the area, spending some time with their family before pursuing other interests.

Colonel Miller comes to Travis from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where she was the commander of the 932nd Airlift Wing, driving its mission to provide first-class, worldwide, safe and reliable airlift for distinguished visitors and their staff.

A variety of leadership positions along with 25 years as a pilot have helped prepare her to take over the reins at the 349th AMW. Colonel Miller currently has more than 4,500 flying hours in six types of aircraft including the T-37 Tweet, T-38 Talon, C-141B/C Starlifter, C-5A/B Galaxy, C-9 Nightingale and the C-40 C Clipper.

During her career, Colonel Miller has served as a T-37 instructor pilot for the 96th Flying Training Squadron, Williams Air Force Base, Ariz., C-141 examiner pilot for the 62nd Airlift Wing and later a C-141 examiner pilot for the 313th Airlift Squadron, both at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. She served as the deputy operations group commander for the 459th Airlift Wing and operations officer for the 756th Airlift Squadron both at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. While at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington D.C., she served as chief strategic airlift and later as fighter forces programmer, operations officer and deputy operations group commander for the 459th Airlift Wing, Andrews Air Force Base, Md. She was the Air Reserve Technician C-5 pilot at Dover Air Force Base, Del., and finally, the Colonel was operations group commander for the 932nd Airlift Wing, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., before being promoted to wing commander there.

The Colonel earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology from Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. She was a distinguished graduate from the Reserve Officer Training Corps program and has successfully completed Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Flight Safety Officers School at Norton Air Force Base, Calif., and Air Command and Staff seminar and Air War College, also at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
Looking to the future Colonel Miller has set some priorities.

"My top priorities for the year will be you and your readiness," said Colonel Miller. "We will continue to focus on our core competencies of maintaining our combat readiness and making significant contributions to the Global War on Terror, developing our airmen and ensuring family, community and employer support."

"Our mission is clear - to provide the world's best mutual support to the Air
Force and our joint partners, and flying and fighting as an unrivaled wingman,"she added.

"It is my distinct honor and most humble privilege to serve with each and every one of you and to be your commander," she concluded. "Let's get it done."

Colonel Miller is the 22nd and first female commander for the 349th AMW since its inception in 1943.