Meet the new NOAA Aircraft Ops commander

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  • By to the Thunderbolt
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., --  The 6th Air Mobility Wing would like to welcome Navy Capt. Randall TeBeest the new commander for the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center. TeBeest took command of the unit July 15.

TeBeest took time out of his day to answer a few questions for the Thunderbolt in order for the base to get to know him better.

Thunderbolt: What do you expect of those under your command?
TeBeest: My expectations of the women and men of the NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center are to continue their long standing record of faithfully executing NOAA's mission with the higest level of integrity and professionalism, continue to strive for excellence and continue to provide uncompromised stewardship of our taxpayer's resources.

Thunderbolt: Who are your favorite leaders and role models and why?
TeBeest: I've had the privilege of working for some outstanding and dynamic leaders and I have tried to take elements from each one in molding my own leadership style, but my most influential role model is my father - the memory of his character and integrity guides me every day.

Thunderbolt: What does it mean to you to be new commander?
TeBeest: I've thought of the possibilities of this position for most of my NOAA aviation career and attaining it is truly one of the capstones of my career.

Thunderbolt: When you hold your first commander's call what is the first thing you are going to tell your Airmen?
TeBeest: My position on the safety of our workforce is steadfast. The business of aviation is inherently dangerous and mitigating its risks to our best ability is the obligation of every team member at every single step of every single mission.

Thunderbolt: What are your thoughts about MacDill and living in Tampa?
TeBeest: I've spent many years of my career assigned to NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center here at MacDill AFB and as a new commanding officer, I couldn't ask for a better location than MacDill or a better mission partner than the U.S. Air Force. The level of support we have received since day one has always been outstanding and it is truly a privilege to be a part of the MacDill family.