Transition strengths and degree of deformation in $^{79}$Sr*

High-spin states in $^{79}$Sr were studied using the $^{54}$Fe($^{28}$Si, 2$pn$) reaction at 90 MeV with a thick 14 mg/cm$^2$ $^{54}$Fe target used to stop all recoils. Prompt $\gamma$--$\gamma$ coincidences were detected using the FSU Compton-suppressed Ge array, and allowed for a verification of the $^{79}$Sr level scheme in three separate band structures. Lifetimes of 34 excited states were measured using the Doppler-shift attenuation method, with the experimental line shapes obtained at two separate observation angles and by gating from above the transition of interest whenever possible. Transition quadrupole moments $Q_t$ inferred from the lifetimes indicate a high degree of collectivity and deformation over a rather wide range of spins in all three observed bands. These results will be interpreted within the framework of the projected shell and cranked Woods-Saxon models.