Kubinec takes over at air logistics complex

The new commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, Brig. Gen. John Kubinec, said it twice as if to emphasize the notion: We are not broke.

Kubinec took charge of the complex Tuesday, replacing Brig. Gen. Walter Lindsley, in a change of command ceremony witnessed by about 300 people in the Century of Flight hangar.

Lindsley is going to the Pentagon as director of logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Engineering and Force Protections, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

Kubinec said before the ceremony he wanted to continue the good relationship the base has with Local 987 of the American Federation of Government Employees.

“They are important people, and this is an important mission,” he said. He then related an old saying about if something is not broke there is no need for repairs. “We are not broke; we will sustain the gains the team has made. The nation needs the products we make,” he said.

The Air Force Academy graduate is a veteran aircraft munitions and maintenance officer, and in 2011 served as vice commander of what was then called the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center.

“I have a lot to learn and will focus on the people and the mission, and look to sustain the gains the team has made,” he said.

Processes are in place to improve the work done in every area, he said, and though “we are never there,” the complex’s work continuously improves.

The dedication and patriotism haven’t changed in the years since he’s been here, he noted, and said it was more of a transition than a change in command.

Kubinec said this was the third time he has succeeded Lindsley as a commander, calling it his career secret.

“Just follow Walt Lindsley into a job and do what he would do,” Kubinec said. “That is one secret to my career.”

For his part, Lindsley said he was forever grateful for the teamwork and the hard work done by the logistics complex.

“It does take a village to raise a child, and I never felt alone here because of the unrelenting support of the team which drove change,” he said.

He also credited the union in the effort.

“The union leadership was challenging but supportive and made the restoration of Robins Air Force Base possible,” he said.

Before delivering his words, Lindsley was awarded the Legion of Merit.

The presiding officer was Lt. Gen. Lee Levy II, who said it was a day of mixed emotions, starting with 76th anniversary of the second atomic bomb blast on Nagasaki, Japan, that ended World War II. “That is sobering, very sobering,” he said.

Levy, commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, said he’s known both men for many years, and while he was sad to see Lindsley leave he was happy that Kubinec is his replacement.

“These are the happiest and saddest days,” Levy said to the two men. “Middle Georgia is going to miss you and the Pentagon will be glad to get you.”

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