CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 17th Airlift Squadron will welcome a new commander during a change of command ceremony July 17 here.
Lt. Col. Richard Williamson, former operations officer for the 21st Airlift Squadron at Travis AFB, Calif., replaced Lt. Col. Scott DeThomas. Colonel DeThomas will be a student at the National War College at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.
Colonel Williamson was born in Melbourne, Fla., and lived there until the age of nine. Later, his family relocated to Merritt Island, Fla., where he spent the rest of his childhood.
Colonel Williamson received his commission when he graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering sciences. In 1992, he graduated from Undergraduate Pilot Training and began his aviation career as a C-141B pilot.
Colonel Williamson served as the 437th Operations Group director of staff in his first assignment here to Charleston in 2003. During his first assignment here, Colonel Williamson was the second person to ever be qualified as an aircraft commander for the C-17A Special Operations Low Level II mission.
"My wife, Suzie, my children, Maddie, Cole, Caity and I are thrilled to be back home here in the Lowcountry," said Colonel Williamson.
As the new commander of the 17 AS, he said his initial plans are to let the men and women of the 17 AS show him how well they do their job and to continue the proud heritage of the first C-17 squadron in the Air Force. He expects 17 AS Airmen to simply know and do their jobs. He said the goal and mission of the squadron is to take the fight to the enemy and to be ready for the next challenge.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I can fix anything ... well, almost anything. My dad was a TV repairman and had an awesome set of tools.
What is your favorite movie?
"Reservoir Dogs" because it has a great soundtrack.
What is your major pet peeve?
Tardiness.
Who is your favorite author?
Nelson DeMille
What is your favorite quote?
"From all of us, to all of you, for having the guts to try." British mercenaries in Oman inscribed this on a consolatory case of beer following the failed Iran hostage rescue mission.
Why did you join the Air Force?
To fly, fight and win!
How would you describe your leadership style?
Direct -- I firmly believe in working hard and being professional; the rest will take care of itself.
Who is your role model and why?
This is a tough one. I can't pick just one since I have been privileged to work for and with so many of our great leaders in my career. I have always tried to take the greatest qualities I recognize and use them in my personal approach.
What was your most memorable assignment and why?
Charleston, of course. They say timing is everything and I couldn't have been any luckier than being here at the start of the SOLL II program. The advances we made and the opportunities we were presented to prove this airframe's capabilities will always be very special to me.