Hurlburt Field: Lt. Gen. Michael Conley now leads Air Force Special Operations Command

HURLBURT FIELD — After almost two years as the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) commander, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind has handed over the guidon to Lt. Gen Michael Conley, who now assumes leadership of the elite combat force stationed at Hurlburt Field .

In a ceremony held July 2 inside Freedom Hangar, base officials, airmen and elected leaders including U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz were present to witness Conley become the 15th leader of AFSOC. The ceremony was presided over by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allen.

Parting remarks

After thanking his family for their sacrifices and support during his career, Bauernfeind turned his attention to previous AFSOC commanders and community leaders for their continued support during tumultuous times, such as the loss of GUNDAM 22 and the shooting death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson .

"It is with you that I will always be appreciative of your hard work to take best care of our air commandos. Thank you so much," said Bauernfeind.

Bauernfeind then commended the leadership of the nine wings that make up AFOSC, which includes six active duty, two Air National Guard, and a reserve unit. Bauernfeind noted they have executed their responsibilities perfectly.

"You’ve brought forward capabilities like the Theater Air Operations Squadrons, where we are now putting that regional focus, that long-term stare on our regional adversaries, not only with phenomenal intel teams but also the right mission planners and, more importantly, the air advisers, so we can build our relationships with our allies and partners to stay linked arm in arm,” Bauernfeind said.

In closing, Bauernfeind gave parting words to the over 21,000 air commandos of AFSOC.

"I can tell you over the last 18 months, and I know for the last two decades, you've delivered with excellence, you've delivered with valor, and you've innovated at every turn," said Bauernfeind. "It's not lost on me that we truly stand on the shoulders of giants, those air commandos that came before us to pave the pathway of excellence. I will tell you that the air commandos of today are building the heritage of tomorrow with pure excellence."

Bauernfeind then stepped away from the podium. He will now begin his next role as the Air Force Academy superintendent in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Who is Lt. Gen. Michael Conley?

According to his biography on the Hurlburt Field website, Conley graduated from the Air Force Academy with a bachelor of science degree in 1996 and completed pilot training in 1998.

Conley has over 2,400 flight hours and has piloted aircraft such as the UH-1H/N, MH-53J/M, MV-22, CV-22B, and other special operations aircraft. Conley also has served multiple staff assignments, including the Joint Staff as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Headquarters Air Force.

His promotion to AFSOC commander is not his first leadership position at Hurlburt Field. From June 2018-2020, Conley served as the 1st Special Operations Wing commander. Before serving as the commander of AFSOC, Conley was also the AFSOC director of operations.

Changing of the guard

"I am honored and humbled for this opportunity," said Conley as he delivered his remarks.

Conley continued by thanking the distinguished guests before turning his attention to Bauernfeind. He stated that during the transitional phase in AFSOC's history, Bauernfeind set the conditions for future success and gave his best wishes.

Conley then addressed the air commandos who stood in formation during the ceremony.

"We exist as a command to do the things that others are unable to do or unwilling to attempt. We must remain ready to fight tonight, just like our teammates that are currently in the fight downrange," said Conley. “It will take all of us rowing together to ensure we’re ready."

" 'Any place, any time, anywhere' 'isn’t just our motto. It’s our way of life. Again, I’m humbled by this opportunity, but I’m also ready to get to work,” said Conley.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Hurlburt Field: Lt. Gen. Michael Conley now leads Air Force Special Operations Command