Colonel Garland takes command of 99th Air Base Wing Published March 12, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Michael Charles Nellis Public Affairs Office NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Col. Steve Garland took command of the 99th Air Base Wing during a ceremony at the Thunderbird hangar, March 12, officiated by Maj. Gen. Ted Kresge, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander. "Nellis is the heart and soul of our Air Force," General Kresge said. "The 99th is the life support that preserves this heart." Colonel Garland assumed command from Col. Dave Belote after serving as the 505th Command and Control Wing vice commander at Hurlburt Field, Fla., for the past year. "It's a calling to be chosen to lead the men and women of the 99th Air Base Wing," Colonel Garland said. "I have the honor of replacing a great commander and leading some of the best Airmen in the Air Force. The Air Force is a trusted and key partner in supporting the joint mission. Our job, first and foremost, as the 99th Air Base Wing is to provide the direct support to our Airmen and sister services engaged in the fight and preparing to enter the fight. We serve to ensure they are victorious and return home safe." The 99th ABW commander acts as the installation commander for Nellis and Creech. The 99th ABW is responsible for all installation support, providing communications, contracting, engineering, environmental, law enforcement, logistics, medical, security, services, supply, transportation and mission support for more than 12,000 assigned personnel and 313,000 dependents, retirees and veterans. The wing also supports the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, 98th Range Wing, 53d Wing, 57th Wing, 432d Wing, 505 CCW, 171 rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft assigned to Nellis and the nearly 1,500 visitors and temporary-duty personnel conducting business at Nellis daily. Colonel Belote will retire after more than 24 years of active duty service in the U.S. Air Force.
