WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Receiving a promotion is a notable accomplishment in your career, especially if it involves becoming a leader.
In 1998, Brig. Gen. Jon A. Eberlan became a distinguished graduate of Officer Training School, and from there, he has served as a wing and installation commander, group commander and a squadron commander. On June 28, he added another title to his résumé: commander of the Air Logistics Complex.
To celebrate and to signify this new chapter for General Eberlan, Warner Robins Air Force Base held a time-honored tradition with a Change of Command ceremony for the new leader who will oversee around 7,900 personnel — a team that was revered as critical to the defense of the nation.
Brig. Gen. Jennifer Hammerstedt previously held the commander role. She has overseen the complex since 2020 and has always felt called to serve in the Air Force. Before her service, Hammerstedt worked at a small-town farm in New Jersey and picked up a strong work ethic in her youth.
Under Hammerstedt’s watch, the complex received an effective rating — attributed to her leadership experience, attention to detail and devotion to duty.
She led a team that generated 241 mobility fighter, rotary wing, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance aircrafts, 652 software projects, and over 150,000 aircraft parts.
During the pandemic, she led the effort in bringing the workplace to full capacity after a 60-day slowdown, in conjunction with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
She also led a groundbreaking cultural initiative that promoted inclusion and diversity at the complex.
At the event, before the ceremonial passing of the flag, Lt. Tom D. Miller, a commander at the Air Force Sustainment Center took the stage. He oversees three Air Logistics Complexes himself and spoke on the team dynamic at the complex at Robins Air Force Base.
“It’s a team sport to generate readiness for the Air Force,” Miller said. “And the team here is incredible. So this organization truly is a treasure to our nation. It’s pivotal in our nation’s readiness.”
Miller explained that the base is on the cutting edge of innovation and has garnered notice from the Department of Defense.
“The world has changed, and we have to change with it — and a lot of that change and innovation is happening right here at Robins,” Miller said.
He also thanked Hammerstedt’s family for their support. Hammerstedt received a Legion of Merit award for her service and then took the stage.
She was extremely grateful to fellow leaders, her family and the community for their support over the years and spent her time on stage thanking them.
She was extremely grateful to fellow leaders, her family and the community for their support over the years and spent her time on stage thanking them.
“All of these partners are not just partners,” Hammerstedt said. “They’re friends, which is why today is an emotional ceremony for me.”
She assured the audience that the commander role is in the right hands.
“It is so comforting to pass this flag that you know and trust, someone they know will do wonderful things to make this [Air Logistics Complex] stronger, and I will rest easy knowing that this national treasure is in really good hands,” Hammerstedt said.
She closed by thanking her team: “I never pass an opportunity to tell you that our Air Force and our nation are counting on us every day to show up in Middle Georgia and answer the call. Well, I stand here before you today, and say that you did show up, you did answer the call and couldn’t be more proud, more honored, and more humbled to have had the opportunity to serve as your commander.”
Hammerstedt will move to Langely Air Force Base, where she will serve as director of logistics, engineering and force protection.
After her Hammerstedt’s speech, Eberlan joined her for the symbolic change of command. Hammerstedt held the flag, symbolizing the office of commander and the responsibilities therein, and then Lieutenant Miller passed along the flag to Eberlan.
Eberlan’s remarks were complementary of Hammerstedt, his family and of the Air Logistics Complex. He was thrilled for the opportunity to make new connections at the Base and within the community.
Looking forward, he asked the Air Logistics Command to think of three things: the mission, the customer and their fellow coworkers.
For the mission, General Eberlan believes improving processes and efficiency will help increase combat capability.
“Increasing combat capability is job number one, and we must never lose sight of that fact,” Eberlan said.
The customer Eberlan referred to was the Joint Force.
“We owe them our absolute best every minute we show up to work,” he said. “We must always have in the back of our minds, the airmen, guardian, soldier, sailor, marine, and coast guardsman who is depending on the capabilities we provide.”
For the team, Eberlan promoted diversity, inclusion, resilience and respect.
“People are truly what makes our Air Force and our Department of Defense special, and each of you deserves the opportunity to maximize your potential and achieve your career aspirations in an enjoyable, professional and fun working environment,” Eberlan said.
The commander title is a difficult job, but Eberlan is up for the challenge. Speaking to The Journal after the ceremony, he said he was feeling humbled and excited at the ceremony and wanted to see the Air Logistics Complex continue to thrive. He was also thrilled to meet the team as he begins to lead them and assess areas for improvement.
“We’ll work together and develop a plan to move forward in the areas that we need to improve in and stack on the areas that we’re strong in,” Eberlan said.
He was also humbled and grateful to have been selected for the commander position and is diving headfirst into the role.
“I’m ready to get started,” Eberlan said. “I’m ready to get to work.”
Alluded to in his speech, he plans on continuing the mission and diversity focus at the complex, striving to be a leader that his team can depend on.
Eberlan said: “In a command job, when you look at the organizational chart, you might be at the top of an organization, but I believe any leader should be a servant leader…My goal is to serve my people and give them all the tools and the leadership and everything they need to be successful.”
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