Mighty Ninety commander moving forward, conquering

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Stacey Fenton
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  F. E. Warren Air Force Base and the 90th Missile Wing will bid farewell to Col. Greg Tims, 90th Missile Wing commander, during his retirement ceremony at the base theater Wednesday, and his change-of-command ceremony on the Argonne parade field on Thursday.

Col. Tims received his commission from Officer Training School in 1986. He has served more than 25 years, and has commanded the 90th Missile Wing since June 2009.

Col. Tims began his career as a deputy missile combat crew commander for the 742nd Strategic Missile Squadron at Minot AFB in North Dakota.

In addition to serving in various capacities in the missile career field, some of Col. Tims' other assignments included officership curriculum manager, flight commander and executive officer for Squadron Officer School at Maxwell AFB, Alabama; national security policy affairs officer for the Department of State in Washington, D.C.; and executive officer for the commander of Air Force Space Command at Peterson AFB, Colorado.

Col. Tims said he has worked with many inspiring leaders throughout his career, but two individuals had the greatest influence on him.

"Throughout my career, the most influential person was Lt. Col. (ret.) Dave Wright; he laid a foundation and leadership philosophy that I carry with me today," said Col. Tims.

He said his other influence was Maj. Gen. (ret.) Thomas Deppe, who he has worked with during four separate assignments.

"My career was never the same once I worked with General Deppe," said Col. Tims. "His common sense and street-smart approach to leadership was something I greatly admired, and it stuck with me."

It was not only those in uniform who helped shape Col. Tims' life and career - he said the person out of uniform who inspired him most was his wife, Julie.

"Julie has always been involved with and passionate about the Air Force - especially welcoming other spouses," Col. Tims said. "She always emphasized the importance of being an Air Force family, not just a family in the Air Force."

Col. Tims himself has been highly influential to the men and women of the 90th Missile Wing during his time as commander.

"Col. Tims has been able to ignite a strong sense of team spirit, which has helped the wing become successful," said Chief Master Sgt. Marty Anderson, 90th Missile Wing command chief. "As Col. Tims says, 'it ain't braggin if you can do it,' and the Airmen of the 90th Missile Wing have been proving they can do it for the past two years."

Col. Tims led the wing to victory in 12 inspections since June 2009, but he emphasized that the accomplishments during his period as commander belong to the wing as a whole, not himself.

"Our number one accomplishment as a wing has been bringing the blue-collar swagger back to the Mighty Ninety," Col. Tims said. "We have our confidence back, and there is not a problem we can't solve."

Col. Tims said the greatest obstacle faced by the Mighty Ninety during the past two years was changing the inspection mindset of the wing.

"Our greatest challenge over the course of my time here has been shifting the culture from one of inspection preparation to one of daily excellence -- but that shift served us well," he added.

Col. Tims' leadership left a lasting impression on Warren members.

"I've worked with a lot of commanders over the years, and Col. Tims is a leader who leaves a positive impact on everyone he interacts with," said Barry Kistler, 90th Missile Wing Director of Staff. "His impact on the wing will be felt long after he departs, and he will be greatly missed."

Upon retirement, Col. Tims is looking forward to helping his sons, Brian and Kevin, perfect their curveball, and hiking Pike's Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado.