There’s a new commander at Joint Base San Antonio.
Brigadier General Bob LaBrutta passed command of the 502nd Air Base Wing and largest military joint base in the country to Brigadier General Heather Pringle in an emotional ceremony Friday.
“What a great day for the 502nd Air Base Wing Joint Base San Antonio,” LaBrutta told the crowd, “But a melancholy day for me and my family.”
LaBrutta came to San Antonio 3 years ago, amid sequestration and the aftermath of the worst sexual assault scandal in Air Force history. He’s credited with improving transparency and efficiency. His tenure is also marked by a tragedy earlier this year, when an airman killed his squadron commander and himself.
“Your performance focus and leadership during and after the horrific shooting at Lackland showed your troops and the world your true character,” said Lieutenant General Daryl Roberson.
Labrutta will become the next commander of the 2nd Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi.
His replacement, Brigadier General Heather Pringle, comes from the Pentagon, where she was executive officer to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
“It’s the honor of my life to join Joint Base San Antonio,” said Pringle. “We are excited to join the team here. And we’re looking forward to calling Military City, USA our home.”
