Carey promoted, relinquishes command of 12th Flying Training Wing

The 12th Flying Training Wing’s commander was promoted May 19 in a ceremony at the Parr Club on Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.

Col. Joel Carey was promoted to brigadier general. He has been in command since June 30, 2016.

“To promote somebody from colonel to one star [general], that’s a really big deal,” said Lt. Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, commander, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region and Alaskan Command and 11th Air Force. Wilsbach was the presiding official for the promotion ceremony.

“It’s an indication that the nation is putting immense trust and faith in that officer to carry out duties for our country that have the highest importance,” Wilsbach said.

Since 2016, the 12th FTW consistently earned recognition as a top performer in the Air Force for flying training, airmanship, stewardship and innovation.

 “If you think about any airpower that’s being employed at this time across the globe within the last six months to a year and a half, it has been touched by the Airmen of the 12th Flying Training Wing in their work and in their instruction and in their development,” Carey said during his remarks to more than one hundred guests including family members, civic leaders and fellow Airmen.

Wilsbach presented Carey the Legion of Merit as an award for his service as commander.

“I try to stay out of the way and help kick down doors where I can,” Carey said. “It’s the men and women of the 12th Flying Training Wing that’s doing the work every single day,” Carey said.

Carey relinquished command May 19 to the wing vice commander, Col. Randy Oakland, until Carey’s replacement arrives later this year.

He is scheduled to deploy later this year.