LAKEHURST – The Joint Base now has a new leader following a recent Change of Command ceremony.
U.S. Air Force Col. Michael D. Stefanovic assumed command of both Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the 87th Air Base Wing, succeeding Col. Anthony L. Smith. The ceremony brought together service members, civilian employees, local officials and community partners to recognize Smith’s service and mark the formal transfer of leadership.
In his two roles, Smith oversaw support for more than 80 mission partners at the Defense Department’s only tri-service joint base, and provided mission-ready expeditionary Airmen, Guardians, and Sailors to combatant commanders in support of joint and coalition operations.
Smith also led a total force team of more than 44,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, civilians and family members.
Brigadier General Stephen Snelson said during the ceremony, “what sets us apart from every other nation is our joint force.” Snelson is the commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center and was the presiding official.
“It is our joint force that makes us the most feared, revered and lethal force the world has ever seen. Together, as joint partners, we are unstoppable. Col. Smith, over the last two years, you have had the responsibility to lead this base and our joint team, and you have done so brilliantly,” Snelson said.
Smith has held vital roles at the wing, center, major command, Air Force and defense agency levels. He was commissioned through Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Fayetteville State University in 1997.
He served as Director for Financial Management and Comptroller at Headquarters Air Mobility Command, where he managed a $15 billion annual program and supported more than 800 financial managers worldwide. His awards include the Legion of Merit and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
The outgoing commander remarked, “as Chief Wynne and I stand here, closing out two remarkable years as your wing command team, we can honestly say – it has been the honor of our career.”
Smith added, “Col. Stefanovic and Chief Conner, welcome to a remarkable base, an exceptional wing and a community that truly is like family.”
Stefanovic previously served as commander of the base’s 87th Civil Engineer Group, overseeing emergency management, fire and explosive ordnance disposal response, infrastructure maintenance, engineering, environmental stewardship, housing, and rapid recovery operations.
The new commander’s career includes a range of civil engineer and explosive ordnance disposal assignments at the squadron, wing, major command and Headquarters Air Force levels, as well as serving as Director of the Strategic Studies Institute for the Air Force.
In his new roles of command, Stefanovic will lead the base team in delivering critical installation support to all mission partners, ensuring JB MDL’s continued role as a premier power projection platform for global operations.
Stefanovic said he was “grateful for the opportunity to lead JB MDL and look forward to building on the legacy of excellence established here. Together, we will continue to deliver warfighting capability, support to our mission partners and strengthen our joint force and community.”
The Joint Base was established in 2009. It is home to the 87th ABW, 305th Air Mobility Wing, 621st Contingency Response Wing, U.S. Army Support Activity Fort Dix, Naval Support Activity Lakehurst, and more than 80 mission partners supporting joint and coalition operations.
