CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Col. Steven Chapman took command of the 315th Airlift Wing from Col. Timothy Wrighton during a change of command ceremony April 19 at Charleston AFB.
Colonel Chapman began his military career in May 1979 as an enlisted member of the Marine Corps Reserve. He was commissioned into the Air Force Reserve in 1984 following completion of the Academy of Military Science.
He is a rated command pilot with more than 5,000 flight hours and comes to Team Charleston from the 919th Special Operations Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., where he was the wing commander. Colonel Wrighton is headed to Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., to be the special assistant to the 22nd Air Force commander. Before relinquishing command, Colonel Wrighton had some advice for his Airmen.
"It has been busy and challenging the last couple years I've been here," said Colonel Wrighton. "You know how to do it; you have the bar raised. I know you will continue that under the leadership of Colonel Chapman."
Colonel Chapman echoed his predecessor's admiration for the 315 AW.
"I'm extremely proud and humbled to be given the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with all of you," Colonel Chapman said. "I've heard nothing but accolades referencing your can do attitude, performance and resourcefulness."
After taking command, which was symbolized by the passing of the wing's guidon, Colonel Chapman shared his excitement and leadership style with his new Airmen.
"Integrity is paramount and the cornerstone of a successful organization," he said. "It must be the basis for everything we do. Empowerment also means accountability. Disagreement or creative descent is not disloyalty."
The colonel also stated how important it is to keep all levels of the chain of command informed.
"Not one of you is here by accident," said Colonel Chapman. "Whether you're a chief, colonel, general officer or airman, each one of you stood up and stated you understand what it means to be in the United States of America, what it means to be an American, and that you want to give something back. And personally I can't think of a more honorable profession where we serve others and that's what each one of you is doing."