JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The 14th Airlift Squadron welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony December 17, 2010.
Lt. Col. Anthony Carr, former chief of operational plans for the 17th Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, replaced Lt. Col. Randall Huiss, who is now the acting commander for the 437th Operations Group.
Colonel Carr was born and raised in Marion, Ohio. After graduating from high school, Colonel Carr attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, Florida, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics in 1996. Shortly after acquiring his bachelors he attended Officer Training School, where he was commissioned as a distinguished graduate in 1997.
Colonel Carr's first assignment was at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, where he was a flightline maintenance officer. During his tour, he helped lead the reactivation of the 55th Fighter Squadron and served as a deployed squadron maintenance officer before reporting to Laughlin AFB, Texas for pilot training in 1998.
Upon earning his wings, he completed C-17 co-pilot initial qualification before reporting for an operational tour at Charleston AFB. During this time he with the 15th Airlift Squadron, serving as the squadron scheduler, mission director, training officer and Special Operations Low Level - Version 2 planner. He also participated in the first-ever combat airdrop in the history of the C-17, a humanitarian relief operation over Afghanistan which earned his team recognition for conducting the most meritorious Air Mobility Command mission of 2001.
From 2003 until the end of 2010, Colonel Carr worked at the Pentagon, McChord AFB and Germany before arriving back for a second tour at Joint Base Charleston.
As the new commander of the 14 AS, Colonel Carr said, "not only are the community, wing and base simply outstanding, but I get to lead a superb squadron that has made a name for itself for more than 70 years by delivering American power directly to the fight. It doesn't get any better than that."
What are your initial plans as the new commander?
My plan is to command the safe execution of our mission from day one. I'll assess and make adjustments to reflect my leadership approach over time, but with the pace and importance of our mission, the most critical thing is transitioning without the squadron missing a beat.
How would you describe your leadership style?
It is tough to do that, because I lack objectivity. But I would say I'm committed to huge goals, high standards and the principle that technology is important, but fighting men and women determine the success of our mission.
Why did you join the Air Force?
I was just self-aware enough to know I needed structure and direction before going to college, or I would waste my time and be unsuccessful. After joining, I started to feel a deeper loyalty to our country and the Air Force and quickly set about making it my profession.
What was your most memorable assignment and why?
My most memorable time in the Air Force was my previous assignment at Charleston AFB, which was from 1999 to 2003. It was memorable because being part of this team at that key moment and being involved in our nation's response to the 9/11 attacks was a once in a lifetime experience.
What is your favorite quote?
"The main thing is to have a plan; if it is not the best plan, it is at least better than no plan at all." - Sir John Monash
Who is your role model and why?
General Ron Fogleman, our former Chief of Staff. He understood that a value system was the key to aligning the motivations of individuals and organizations. This grew from a genuine concern for people and a genuine love of the Air Force. He carried his vision forward with rare moral courage.