Vice commander ready to lead, learn

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephen Linch
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Col. John Robinson began work July 9 in his new office as the 509th Bomb Wing vice commander. He comes to Whiteman from Washington, D.C., where he was the Joint Staff division chief for the South and South East Asia Division.

"I am very excited to be here and to be a part of this very unique wing, which is the single source for the most lethal weapon system in the Department of Defense arsenal," Colonel Robinson said.

While the colonel is not new to bombers, he has an operational background in the B-52, he is new to the B-2 weapons system.

The 22-year Air Force veteran gained a better idea of the wing and its mission during a month of flight training in March.

"I am looking forward to learning all I can about the B-2," the command pilot said, "it is the showcase of power and deterrence for our nation's military."

Colonel Robinson said that in his role as the vice commander, "my primary goal is to support the commander and the warrior Airmen of the 509th Bomb Wing in any way I can."

His leadership philosophy is to strike a balance between mission and people, treat everybody with respect, and recognize the contribution that everyone makes to the mission.

The pace at Whiteman is incredible and the mission is crucial, especially in today's world, but it's important that people enjoy what they are doing, he said.

The level of dedication and professionalism of the people who make this unique mission possible is exceptional, he added.

"This is a tremendous team, and I am honored to be a part of it," the colonel said.