Handy assumes command of USTRANSCOM, AMC; Robertson retires
Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, officiated the first part of the ceremony in which Handy succeeded Air Force Gen. Charles T. "Tony" Robertson as the USTRANSCOM CINC.
Speaking of Robertson's career, Myers said, "He has successfully led this highly important command through daily operations expanding the globe, as well as an apparent never ending series of crisis.
"My message to the USTRANSCOM team today is well done, and we are all very proud of you," said Myers. "Whether transporting aid for New York City and Washington; delivering people and equipment by rail, ship or plane; providing air refueling sorties for combat aircraft; and air dropping relief supplies to the Afghan refugees, you have been absolutely indispensable. Your technical skills and can do attitude, your sacrifices and devotion to what makes our country great are the epitome of a professional military force in a democratic nation."
Immediately following that part of the ceremony, Handy took command of AMC with Air Force Gen. John P. Jumper, Air Force chief of staff presiding.
The event also served as a retirement ceremony for Robertson. He was awarded both the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal.
Robertson's wife Brenda, received the Distinguished Public Service Award for outstanding service throughout her husband's career.
Handy's last assignment was as the U.S. Air Force vice chief of staff.
This move marked a return to both organizations; Handy served as USTRANSCOM's director of operations and logistics from 1993-1995 and commander of AMC's Tanker Airlift Control Center from 1991-1993.
Handy holds a bachelor's degree from Methodist College and a master's degree from the University of Southern California. He is also a graduate of the Air War College and National War College, as well as the Program for Senior Executives at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
He is a command pilot with more than 4,800 hours flown. He has flown the C-130, C-7A, C-141, C-9, KC-10 and C-17.
Robertson has served concurrently as USTRANSCOM CINC and AMC commander since August 1998.
He held a variety of command and staff positions including; commander, 384th Bombardment Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.; director, personnel plans, deputy chief of staff, personnel, headquarters U.S. Air Force; vice director, the Joint Staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff; vice commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.; and commander, 15th Air Force, Travis Air Force Base, Calif.
Robertson is a 1968 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and holds a Master's degree in industrial management, Central Michigan University. He is also a graduate of the National War College, and Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government National and International Security Program.
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