McDew assumes command of U.S. Transportation Command

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - Air Force Gen. Darren W. McDew assumed command of U.S. Transportation Command today, during a ceremony on the base parade field. 

Defense Secretary Ash Carter presided at the ceremony in which McDew succeeded Air Force Gen. Paul J. Selva as the USTRANSCOM commander. Selva now serves as the 10th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In his remarks, Secretary Carter noted McDew’s transportation and mobility background, and his successful leadership at multiple levels of command.

“We know this: General McDew will lead this command with confidence and with certainty, and with the total confidence of me and the President,” Carter said.  “We know the people of TRANSCOM will carry forward a steadfast commitment to deliver what our force requires, whenever, wherever they require it.”

Citing TRANSCOM’s partnership with commercial industry and logistical successes in Afghanistan, the secretary noted the need to continue to adapt.  “As the force continues to undergo a strategic transition from one era to the next, as we reduce our focus on counterinsurgency and place more emphasis on full spectrum rapid response capabilities, TRANSCOM’s ability to reform and innovate becomes more critical,” he said.

“What you’re able to deliver so quickly and consistently can seem like magic to outsiders, but you know, and your families know, that it only happens because of the thousands of Americans in this command who remain absolutely devoted to our mission.”

Upon assuming command McDew thanked the men and women of USTRANSCOM and noted that over the years he has served with the command and gained a depth of understanding of the organization.

“I have spent over one third of my military career deeply rooted in this business you all know so well,” McDew said.  “I appreciate the gravity of our role.  We are global logistics ambassadors, providing full-spectrum solutions and enabling capabilities.”

McDew emphasized USTRANSCOM’s important role in a challenging global environment.

“As I look to the future, our ability to execute our global responsibilities will face challenges.  We have evolving security threats from state and non-state actors, contested space and cyber domains, fiscal uncertainty and negative economic trends around the globe.”

McDew stressed the need for recapitalization of air, sea and surface assets, and highlighted the importance of government and industry partnerships as unforeseen developments test the command. 

“As daunting as these tests may sound, we’ve faced trials before, as a nation, as a department, and definitely as a command,” McDew said.  “We will prevail, because we must.  Our mission underpins our national security.”

In closing, McDew addressed Carter, “I want to make a commitment to you that when our beloved country calls, this command will be ready to rapidly respond anytime and anywhere.  We promise.”

USTRANSCOM is one of the nine U.S. military combatant commands and has its headquarters here. USTRANSCOM provides air, land and sea transportation for the Department of Defense in peace and in war and is supported by Navy, Air Force, Army, Marine, and Coast Guard personnel. As the new commander of USTRANSCOM, McDew is now the Department of Defense Distribution Process Owner (DPO) which manages the development of efficient and effective distribution solutions to enhance global strategic support to customers.

                                                            -30-