72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs (May 31, 2007): General Reno takes command of Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center.

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Maj. Gen. Loren M. Reno said his five main focus areas as the newly named Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center commander are: supporting the warfighter, stewardship, suppliers, safety and quality, and teamwork. Reno detailed his keys to success before approximately 1,500 airmen, civilians, friends, and family during a change of command ceremony May 30. The general took over the reins of leadership from the previous director, Robert J. Conner, who retired.

"This is where my head is, this is where my heart is," Reno said regarding his focus areas and new responsibilities. "I value all our people. I ask for your help to serve as wingmen with me as together we take care of this great Air Force family.

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"We are one command ... one enterprise," the general said. "We will deliver war-winning expeditionary capabilities to the warfighter ... on time, on cost."

Shortly after assuming command, Reno said, "You'll hear me talk a lot about 'better' because that sums up where I plan for us to go from here. My thoughts are that together we commit to give the warfighters what they need and the taxpayers what they deserve. We will continue to sharpen the sword for our great warfighters."

Reno comes to Tinker after serving as the Defense Logistics Agency vice director at Fort Belvoir, Va., since October 2005. He brings more than 30 years of leadership and logistics experience to the position. Since receiving his commission in 1974, the general has completed 17 assignments. Among them was a tour at OC-ALC from February 1998 to June 2002. During that time, Reno served as director of Technology and Industrial Support, director of Propulsion Transition, director of Propulsion, and vice commander of OC-ALC.

Gen. Bruce Carlson, commander of Air Force Materiel Command, presided over the ceremony. "As the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center moves forward in (Air Force Materiel Command), I want to assure you that you are in good hands with General Reno, who is absolutely the right guy for the job," Carlson said. "General Reno will fit perfectly here at Team Tinker."

Reno succeeds Conner, who made history in August 2005 when he became the first-ever civilian director of the largest air logistics center in the Air Force. In his 32-year career, Conner completed 14 assignments, five of which were at Tinker. His retirement became effective after the ceremony.

"For the people of this center, the only word I have is 'awesome,'" Conner said. "When I first arrived here in 1993, your reputation led me to believe this was the best air logistics center in the Air Force. Your performance over the last 14 years has confirmed that and more. I can't thank you enough for what you've done."

Following the change of command ceremony, Conner, a member of the Senior Executive Service, received several certificates and letters of appreciation for his years of civil service.

"Bob, you've done a magnificent job as the director of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center," Carlson said. "On behalf of AFMC, I want to say 'Thank you for your career and a job well done.'"

Armstrong writes for 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs.