Col. Barlow takes command

  • Published
  • By Amy Rollins
  • Skywrighter Staff
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio --  The 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base welcomed a new commander July 17 as Col. Cassie B. Barlow succeeded Col. Amanda W. Gladney during a change of command ceremony at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

Lt. Gen. Tom Owen, Aeronautical Systems Center commander, presided over the ceremony.

Colonel Barlow now commands more than 5,000 Air Force military, civilian and contractor employees. The wing provides support and services to one of the largest, most diverse and most organizationally complex bases in the Air Force, including a major acquisition center, research and development laboratories, a major command headquarters, an airlift wing and the world's largest military air museum. The base is home to more than 27,000 personnel.

Colonel Gladney has been selected for a new assignment as director of communications for Special Operations Command Europe in Stuttgart, Germany. She served as 88 ABW commander since June 2010.

General Owen noted that one of the responsibilities of the base commander is to act as its "mayor" to its more than 100 associate units and the "Big Ten" tenant units.

With its status as the largest single-site employer in the state of Ohio, that means Col. Gladney "has swung a pretty big stick here in the local area and throughout the state. She has provided that leadership," he said.

General Owen credited Colonel Gladney and the "Mighty 88th" with successfully hosting Corona Top; one successful Tattoo in 2011 and responding perfectly during the storm that affected the 2012 Tattoo; the Air Force Marathon; a Unit Compliance Inspection garnering the highest rating possible; consolidating Areas A and C into a single area; introducing more efficiency, safety and security to the base by deciding to close part of Ohio 444 and restructure gate access; and overseeing the base's largest-ever military construction project as part of the Base Realignment and Closure initiative.

The new Fisher House compassionate care facility and the new Security Forces Operations Center and Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Facility also came online during Colonel Gladney's 25-month command, General Owen noted.

In discussing Colonel Barlow's career and educational background, General Owen said she will be in good company with all the fellow Ph.Ds on base.

A 1988 distinguished graduate from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.,

Colonel Barlow has served in a variety of positions in the information management, behavioral science and personnel career fields at squadron, wing, direct reporting unit, major command, Air Force and combatant command levels.

Colonel Barlow previously served as director of manpower and personnel of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, headquartered at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

The colonel was previously assigned to Wright-Patterson in the Air Force Research Laboratory Human Effectiveness Directorate, as chief of both the Logistics Information Technology and Corporate Development offices from 1996-1998. She commanded at both the squadron and group levels where she garnered multiple Air Combat Command and Air Force level awards.

As the 48th Mission Support Group commander, she led security, communications, civil engineering, personnel administration, services, contracting, and logistics readiness activities for the 48th Fighter Wing's F-15E/Cs and HH-60Gs, housed on RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell, England.

"Command is a significant responsibility and we don't give it lightly," General Owen said.

Colonel Gladney thanked General Owen for hiring her to command the "best wing in the United States Air Force" and highlighted many of the wing's accomplishments during her command.

So much was achieved, she said, due to the leadership, dedication and expertise of the people of the 88 ABW.

"You simply are a remarkable community," she said, as she welcomed Colonel Barlow back to Wright-Patt and congratulated her on her command.

"I am simply passing the torch that burns bright," Colonel Gladney said.

She was then given a final salute by the groups in formation representing the wing's five organizations.

Colonel Barlow thanked her husband, Tim, and daughter, Emma, for their support and said, "I am well aware of the great gift that has been given to my family and I today. Command is always a privilege."

She thanked Colonel Gladney for her command and said she will work to build on her accomplishments by continuing to focus on mission, people and communication.

"Today I feel much like a United States Olympic Team coach. I've inherited a team of professionals that know all of the plays and what it takes to be the best," Colonel Barlow said. "I am proud to be your coach, your cheerleader, your mentor and your confidant. I look forward to being a member of the team in serving with you as we continue the tradition of excellence that you have established."

Colonel Barlow was then presented with her first salute.

A reception in her honor was held following the change of command at the Wright-Patt Club and Banquet Center.