Up at Andersen Air Force Base, one commanding chapter came to a close, while a new one began. Brigadier General Thomas Palenske has officially retired, and taking his place is Colonel Charles “Dan” Cooley, a seasoned leader ready to carry the torch.

With a ceremony steeped in tradition, AAFB honored the past and welcomed the future. “Today we mark the close of one remarkable command and the beginning of another," announced Commander Case Cunningham, who oversees operations across the Pacific and Alaskan regions, recounting Andersen’s history stretching back to World War II and the base’s critical role in America’s deterrence strategy.

“That legacy reminds us why this wing remains indispensable to our nation’s security strategy," Cunningham continued, “and few have carried that responsibility more fully than Brigadier General Tom Palenske.”

Palenske took command just 36 days after Typhoon Mawar, diving into recovery efforts and community rebuilding. But before reflecting on his tenure. he thanked the power player in Team Palenske - his wife Sharon, while letting that signature Palenske personality shine through.

“I love you, baby! I love you! That’s my wife!” he proclaimed to the delight of the crowd.

He also thanked Governor Lou Leon Guerrero for her partnership with heartfelt humor, saying, “Governor, you’re awesome! Best governor I ever got to know…but you’re the only governor I’ve ever met.”

And, he was sincere to the people of Guam for their patriotism and hospitality, saying, “I want to say thank you to the entire CHamoru community of this island because, first of all, this is the most patriotic place on the planet.

“And that patriotism bleeds across to our Airmen families. You set up a community that welcomes in airmen, sailors, soldiers, and Marines like we’re your own family.”

Palenske praised his engineers for turning a post-typhoon base back into a home, while lauding his fellow airmen for carrying out the mission every day. "So, I want to say thank you for all the leaders: the group commanders, the Eagles, the young officers, the chiefs, the NCOs, and the sergeants," he said. "You guys make this happen. You guys are the steering wheel for the winning. I’m the guy that draws a map.”

“But the airmen are the engine. You’re the folks that do all the work and propel us forward. So, I just want to say thank you," he said.

He calls serving with the 36th Wing the honor of his life and leaves with full confidence in Colonel Dan Cooley, stating, “I have zero trepidation about leaving the finest wing in the Air Force to you and your wife’s leadership. It’s going to be amazing.”

“To the men and women of the 36th Wing, God bless you. God bless America.”

Congressman James Moylan's office presented Palenske with a certificate of special congressional recognition. Governor Leon Guerrero presented Palenske with the Governor’s Award, saying his humanity has left a lasting impact on the community both within and beyond the fence.

In welcoming the next commander, she says she’s looking forward to learning more about Colonel Cooley and working alongside him.

Giving his first address as commander of the 36th Wing, Cooley said, “You’re simply amazing, all of you. The professionalism, the reputation, the confidence of the Airmen in this wing carries across geographical boundaries. You know your mission and you execute it with precision every day.”

“And so, with that I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. I look forward to spending time with each and every one of you, and I’m ready to get to work. Thank you!”

His is a new voice at the helm, and a mission that never pauses. At Andersen Air Force Base, leadership may change, but the commitment to peace through strength endures.