JOINT BASE ANACOSTIAS-BOLLING, Washington, D.C., –
Cololnel Gina Humble assumed command of the 11th Operations Group in a ceremony here March 22.
Colonel Ken Rizer, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander, praised her leadership skills and past performance, citing two performance reports that were hand written by Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
"The best in Air Force leadership is exactly what the 11th Operations Group requires and deserves," said Colonel Rizer. "Colonel Humble, you are the leader the 11th Operations Group needs, and you're going to do great. Congratulations."
The 11th Operations Group oversees several prestigious organizations such as the Air Force Honor Guard and the Air Force Band, both of which display the Air Forces pride and dedication to perfection worldwide.
"Whether it is through precision drill, powerful music, or the spoken word of God, these Airmen motivate, inspire and spread goodwill to people around the globe," Colonel Humble said. "I look forward to helping (the Air Force Honor Guard, Band and Arlington Chaplaincy) extend their tradition of excellence as global ambassadors for the United States Air Force."
Colonel Humble offered words of inspiration to the audience, quoting a rather unconventional reference - Dr. Seuss.
"If you look a little closer, I think you'll find his lessons in leadership are simple, relevant and meaningful," Colonel Humble said. "In his book entitled 'On Beyond Zebra,' Dr. Seuss suggests we need to look beyond the status-quo and search for answers about an unknown future."
The character in the story isn't satisfied with the conventional 26 letters in the alphabet, and decides to invent new letters beyond "Z."
"Each and every member of the 11th Operations Group is a master of perfection in executing the mission, upholding standards and preserving our Air Force Heritage," the colonel said. "My challenge to you today is to start asking yourself, 'what else?' What else can we do as an organization that we have never done before?
"I look forward to serving with you as we take the 11th Operations Group to a higher level of excellence," Colonel Humble said. "The possibilities are endless as long as we remember to look 'on beyond zebra.'"