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Former TACC vice assumes center's command

  • Published
  • By Roger Drinnon
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Il. --  Maj. Gen. Ron Ladnier formally assumed command of the 18th Air Force's Tanker Airlift Control Center here Jan. 22 in a change-of-command ceremony.

General Ladnier had served as the TACC's vice commander since July. He succeeds Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott, III, who moves on to an assignment as deputy chief of staff, strategic communications, Multi-National Forces, Iraq. General Scott commanded the TACC since May of 2005.

"Everyone at Scott Air Force Base knows we've got to get our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines to the fight, and we all know you've got to sustain that fight," said General Ladnier. "And certainly a big part of getting to the fight is (the 18th AF's parent unit) Air Mobility Command," he continued. "Taking command of the TACC is indeed a huge challenge, but I'm excited about getting started."

The TACC is 18 AF's hub for planning and directing tanker and transport aircraft operations around the world. The global air operations center is responsible for around-the-clock centralized command and control of both Air Force and commercial contract air mobility aircraft. TACC personnel also plan, schedule and track tanker, airlift and aeromedical evacuation aircraft worldwide as part of AMC's "Global Reach" mission, which includes both wartime and disaster and humanitarian relief operations. The TACC was an integral part of non-combat evacuation operations in Lebanon last year and provided critical support in the aftermath of Hurricane's Katrina and Rita and the earthquake in Pakistan during 2005.

During General Scott's time as TACC commander, the center managed more than 231,000 sorties, moving nearly 3 million passengers and nearly 1.1 million tons of cargo for AMC.

Also during General Scott's tenure, the TACC executed almost 8,000 aeromedical evacuation sorties - moving nearly 31,000 patients. The TACC also managed more than 5,000 sorties that delivered more than 50,000 personnel and nearly 44,000 tons of cargo in direct support of the President.

General Ladnier said he expects to continue the TACC's legacy of professionalism and teamwork.

"We have a big mission, but I think we have outstanding folks to accomplish that mission," said General Ladnier.