Commander retires after 41 years of service

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tristan Hinderliter
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen bid farewell to Gen. Roger A. Brady, the USAFE commander since 2008, who retired Dec. 13 as the longest-serving Air Force officer currently on active duty.

"Being the commander of USAFE is really something - it just doesn't get much better than this," General Brady told the audience at his change of command and retirement ceremony. "To our hosts in this community and others throughout Europe, thank you for your friendship and support. You have been critical to our success for more than 60 years, and you remain so today."

The ceremony was co-officiated by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Adm. James Stavridis, U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe.

"General Brady is leaving an enduring legacy," General Schwartz said. "During his tenure, he made transformational improvements in USAFE's readiness and mission effectiveness, as well as in the quality of life for USAFE's Airmen and their families."

General Brady entered the Air Force in 1969 through the University of Oklahoma ROTC program. In July 1970, he deployed to Da Nang Air Base in South Vietnam, where he worked as an air intelligence officer at the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron. At the time of his retirement, General Brady was one of just 12 Airmen left on active duty to have served in Vietnam.

In 1972, General Brady began his flying career with undergraduate pilot training at the 71st Flying Training Wing at Vance Air Force Base, Okla. He went on to serve in 24 assignments over a career spanning 41 years.

General Brady commanded at the group and wing levels, and was vice commander of an air logistics center. The general also served as director of personnel, logistics, plans and programs and operations at three major commands.

Before commanding USAFE, General Brady was the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

"Through all of these assignments, General Brady made his mark as a mission-oriented leader who strove to improve the quality of life for his Airmen," General Schwartz said. "He is a thoughtful and capable leader who maintained his passion for the mission and for his people as intensely on his last day of service as on his first."

Admiral Stavridis also praised the general for what USAFE accomplished under his watch.

"I cannot overstate the extraordinary impact you've had on this command," the admiral said to General Brady at the ceremony. "You have been superb here, and I'm very proud of what USAFE has done, from air policing around the NATO alliance, to the extraordinary work of your Airmen supporting [the International Security Assistance Force] in Afghanistan, to the humanitarian work the U.S. Air Force has accomplished in Pakistan and, most recently, with the Israeli forest fires."

General Brady said he felt honored and blessed to have had the opportunity to serve in the Air Force for so many years.

"My hats off to our extraordinary commanders, Airmen and their families - you represent the very best of America, and Litha and I are proud to have served with you," he said.

"I also feel a special pride in serving alongside our NATO allies, and Partnership for Peace partners," the general continued. "You have become both professional colleagues, but more importantly, you've become friends. And I cannot imagine a better way to conclude an active-duty career."