Reeves takes command at Malmstrom

  • Published
  • By Kiersten McCutchan
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
Col. Jennifer Reeves is looking to continue the successes of the 341st Missile Wing as she takes command at Malmstrom.

Reeves was previously commander of the 381st Training Group, Air Education and Training Command, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. She assumed command June 19 from Col. Ronald Allen.

Allen arrived as the 341st Missile Wing commander in 2016. He has been confirmed for the rank of brigadier general and will take his next position as Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Military Application, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy in Washington, D.C.

“I can’t say enough great things about the Malmstrom team,” Allen said. “The people, our military and civilian partners on base and our Great Falls community teammates have all been incredible.

“My time as the 341st Missile Wing commander has been a phenomenal opportunity and a high point of my career,” he continued. “(My wife) Angie and I will have many great memories of our time here at Wing One and Great Falls. We look forward to seeing Malmstrom’s people grow and continue in their success.”

Reeves said the wing has built a reputation of accomplishment in the nuclear enterprise.

Throughout 2017 and into 2018, Malmstrom’s silent warriors’ dedication to the nuclear deterrence mission was recognized with team and individual awards and accolades by the Air Force and the Department of Defense, and Reeves believes that trend will continue.

Reeves said her leadership style is collaborative, “letting leaders lead and enabling commanders to command.”

Reeves entered the Air Force through ROTC in 1994 after graduating from San Diego State University in 1993.

She has operated the Defense Support Program missile warning satellites, the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system and the Space-Based Infrared System. She served in the 533rd Training Squadron as Instructor Supervisor and Chief of Training Development, and brought space control capabilities to four combatant commands as the Chief of Wing Weapons and Tactics for the 21st Space Wing.

Reeves has served on five higher headquarters staffs and is a former 2nd Space Warning Squadron Commander, 50th Operations Group Deputy Commander, and a Weapons Officer with multiple deployments in support of U.S. Central Command during Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.

In her career assignments, she said she has learned everyone on the team has a valuable role and an important function.

“When people understand their roles and functions, and how those roles and functions fit into a mission, amazing things happen for a mission, the organization and the team members,” she said.

Community leaders, distinguished visitors and officers from the nuclear force at other bases attended the ceremony with presiding officer Maj. Gen. Fred Stoss. Stoss commands 20th Air Force, a component of Air Force Global Strike Command.

Reeves said she is grateful for the opportunity to command the 341st MW and assume the leadership role from Allen.

Reeves said she promises to help people understand and feel like they are “valued members of this amazing team called Wing One!”

“Helping people see the value they bring to this organization will help them see it as theirs. And then, nothing can stop us from getting after our mission and continue the successes of the last two years,” she said.

“My immediate goals are to keep up the great work that Brigadier General (select) Allen has created over the last 26 months including the many force improvement initiatives – it's an amazing time to be a part of the nuclear enterprise.

“And right away, to keep that going, I'd like to work on making our young team members understand how important they are to this mission,” Reeves said.

She also looks forward to working with the community of Great Falls.

Jennifer Reeves is married to U.S. Army retired colonel and 27-year veteran F. Larry Reeves.