552nd ACW commander receives first star

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kinder Blacke
  • 552nd Air Control Wing
Brig. Gen. Lori J. Robinson, commander of the 552nd Air Control Wing was frocked to the rank of brigadier general in a brevet ceremony on Sept. 21 in Bldg. 230, Dock 2, only four months after becoming the first woman to ever command the wing.

In a brevet, or frocking ceremony, an officer receives a higher rank, which matches their current duty position and level of responsibility - such as a wing commander - and will hold the title, but not the pay benefits of the rank, until their official promotion date.

General Robinson has both MAJCOM and Headquarters Air Force experience, where she most recently served as the chief of the House Liaison Office, Air Force Legislative Liaison, Washington, D.C.

During her career, General Robinson was trained as an air battle manager and filled several positions, including an instructor at the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School, chief of tactics in the 965th Airborne Warning and Control Squadron here at Tinker, and commander of the Command and Control Operations Division, U.S. Air Force Weapons School.

General Robinson served at the 552nd ACW a second time, as commander of the 552nd Operations Group from 2002 to 2004.

"This is the third time I have had the opportunity to serve in the E-3, and I think it's going to be awesome," General Robinson said. "I have employed this aircraft in both peace and war, and I know that will serve me well as David and I once again join our Airborne Warning and Control System family."

General Robinson's professionalism and dedication to the mission serve as inspiration to all 552nd ACW Airmen, who are the cornerstone of the wing's success. With her spirit and determination, the wing is sure to be successful in its mission to organize, train, equip and maintain combat ready forces, aircraft and communications equipment for rapid deployment and employment across the globe, bringing flexible and responsive battle management capability to combatant commanders.

General Robinson will lead the wing's expeditionary Airmen who generate the sorties, connect the airwaves, and command and control the airpower that is crucial to winning wars.