Air Force officials made the announcement Thursday afternoon. Owen, who has been the local commander since August 2006, will be replaced by Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, currently the director of resource integration for the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Installations and Mission Support at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. No date has been set for the change of command.
In a statement issued late Thursday, Owen said he was excited about moving to AFMC - the parent agency for Robins - as the command transforms and improves many of its logistics processes.
"But I will deeply miss the people and missions at Warner Robins ALC and Robins AFB," he is quoted. "My family and I will miss Middle Georgia as we've made many friends here and in our previous tours at Robins."
Owen said he had the highest respect for Peyer, both as a friend and true professional.
He described her as "ready for leadership of this key air logistics center."
Warner Robins ALC, the principal unit at Robins, employs some 15,000 military and civilian workers in providing worldwide management, support and overhaul for major aircraft weapon systems, avionics components and related software.
Peyer's military biography lists command experience at the squadron, group and wing levels. She also has held a number of logistics positions during an almost 33-year Air Force career, including director of logistics for Pacific Air Forces and vice commander for the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. The Oklahoma base, also an AFMC installation, is similar in scope and mission to Robins.
Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Ron Smith, a former Warner Robins ALC commander, said Owen and his wife, Mary Beth, have done a great job and have been a welcome addition to Middle Georgia.
"They fit in like a glove and always have," Smith said. "He's a great Air Force leader, so their mark will be left. Certainly Middle Georgia will miss the Owens."
Smith said he did not know Peyer personally but indicated that her reputation is highly acclaimed.
"She has a tremendous background for the job and will continue the great work done by recent commanders," Smith indicated. "I think we will be delighted with her."
Eddie Wiggins, chairman emeritus of the 21st Century Partnership, echoed Smith's sentiments regarding Owen. The partnership, a volunteer group of Middle Georgia civic, business and political leaders, is focused on supporting Robins and its assigned units.
"Gen. Owen is a quality guy and a great gentleman," Wiggins emphasized. "It has been such a pleasure to support someone like Tom Owen who got his position the old fashioned way - he earned it. I just hate to see him go."
To contact writer Gene Rector, call 923-3109, extension 239.
