Col. Schwab bids farewell to Edwards

  • Published
  • By Laura Mowry
  • Staff writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  After nearly two years of dedicated service, Col. Greg Schwab, 95th Air Base Wing commander, is moving on to his next assignment, where he will serve as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Chair at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort McNair, Washington D.C.

When Schwab received the news that he was selected to serve as a wing commander in the Air Force, he was humbled. When he found out, that his assignment was at historic Edwards Air Force Base, he was absolutely elated.

"I was very, very excited. The chance to be a wing commander in the Air Force is absolutely an amazing opportunity and I was really looking forward to getting here to Edwards with all of the history that's gone on here. With the special place the Air Force and even the nation have for Edwards, it was an extreme honor to be chosen," said Schwab.

As the installation commander, he was responsible for the base's infrastructure, communication systems, security, medical services, fire protection, transportation, finance, contracting, legal services, personnel and manpower, housing, education, as well as quality of life programs for more than 12,000 personnel made up of civilians, contractors, and active duty personnel from the Air Force along with those of sister services.

His leadership directly supported the successful test missions of the Air Force Flight Test Center, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, and more than 50 additional tenant units.

"Our time here has been building on the legacy of others and being good stewards of what we have and taking it to the next level. I was very blessed to have a team of group commanders and senior leaders in the Air Base Wing who not only were a pleasure to work with, but made the job fun and took us to new creative levels with just about everything they touched. I was also very fortunate with the men and women of the 95th, every single one of them had a passion for being here and a passion for their job."

Under Schwab's leadership and guidance, the incredible men and women of the 95th Air Base Wing went to work, with everyone doing their part to make the Edwards community a "Community of Excellence." Their remarkable achievements and contributions to the Edwards community were recognized by the Air Force, when the 95th Air Base Wing received an Outstanding Unit Award for 2011.

Faced with unique challenges, such as budget cuts, Air Force restructuring and a hiring freeze, Schwab led the way for the 95th Air Base Wing, ensuring that Edwards was not only able to preserve quality of life programs, but drastically improve them. Under his leadership, the wing overcame many challenges and continued building on the legacy of others by demonstrating creativity, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.

"We have taken incredible care of the installation at a time of great budgetary and personnel stress on the Air Force. It became very, very difficult. But, it was the 95th [Air Base Wing] folks who somehow made it all work. They still made the mission happen. It's phenomenal," said Schwab. "It is on the creativity and professionalism of our folks that made it happen and I'm very proud of that."

Schwab ensured that not only did the mission continue, but greatly improved the quality of life for the Team Edwards community, with a particular emphasis on taking care of young Airmen.

The Airman's Campus was established to make valuable resources and quality of life programs available to young Airmen. Whether they need a healthy and affordable meal at the Joshua Tree Dining Facility, or want to work out at the gym, work on their car at the Auto Hobby Shop, make an arts and crafts project, participate in sports, take college classes, or enjoy the Higher Grounds Café - everything is readily available for the Airmen.

"The focus on the Airmen has been a constant, it will continue to be a constant we take very serious - the sacred trust that parents allow us to have their kids as Airmen. We have fought and will continue to fight to take good care of them," said Schwab.

Whether supporting the critical test mission of the installation, improving quality of life for the Edwards community, ensuring medical care is top-notch, holding community events, or even maintaining schools, child care programs and teen centers, Schwab has dedicated his time to making Edwards a community of excellence and has built on the incredible legacy of the 95th Air Base Wing.

Additionally, Schwab made it a top priority to take care of the men and women who deploy, such as medical personnel, Explosive Ordinance Disposal team members, and Security Forces defenders by staying active to improve their quality of life.

Schwab's commitment to Airmen, spouses and families of Team Edwards was demonstrated through his continual support of programs such as Hearts Apart, the Airman's Attic, as well as numerous holiday programs and events.

"Robin, Griffin, Keagan and I want you all to know what an honor it was to be part of the Team Edwards' Family," said Schwab. "As we transition on to our next assignment, we will always have found memories of our time at Edwards but especially fond memories of all the amazing Airmen, colleagues, families and friends. We wish you all God Speed and will be cheering you on from a far!"