Collins takes over as new PEO for Fighters and Bombers Directorate

  • Published
  • By Brian Brackens
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Brig. Gen. Heath Collins assumed leadership as the Program Executive Officer for the Fighters and Bombers Directorate within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, at a March 28 ceremony at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Collins replaces Brig. Gen. Michael Schmidt who is leaving to become PEO for AFLCMC’s Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence and Networks Directorate, headquartered at Hanscom Air Force Base.

For the past two years, Collins has served as the Senior Materiel Leader and System Program Manager for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center’s Ground Based Strategic Deterrent Systems Program Office located at Hill Air Force Base. In that role he was responsible for the development, deployment and sustainment of next-generation Intercontinental Ballistic Missile systems.

As PEO, Collins will be responsible for the development, production, fielding, sustainment and modernization of fighters and bombers across the Air Force fleet, to include the A-10, A-29, B-1, B-52, F-15, F-16, and F-22.

During the ceremony, speaking to the Fighters and Bombers Directorate, Collins said he was honored to serve with the team.

“I really want to thank you for what you do,” said Collins. “We have the absolute strongest combat Air Force on the planet – everyone knows it – and that’s because of all that you do and your hard work and commitment. I’m a simple Airman. I love being an Airman. I love my 25 years of service in the Air Force and the best part of it is that I get to serve with Airmen like you. Together, we will take this program forward, deliver adaptable, lethal, capable and affordable weapons systems to our warfighters as quickly as we can. That is my passion and it will be my unwavering focus while I am here.”