CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Happy New Year! Many people take this time to reflect on the previous year and look forward to the next year. From a wing commander's perspective it has been a thrill to watch all of you perform at such a high level. Although I am biased, this past year I have been fortunate to command the best wing in Air Mobility Command, while sharing ground with the Col. Steve Chapman and the 315th Airlift Wing, - the best wing in Air Force Reserve Command.
Looking forward, I see opportunities as we welcome new leadership, with the 628th Air Base Wing activation and eventually a fully formed joint base with Naval Weapons Station Charleston. Team Charleston is in great shape with great officer, enlisted and civilian leadership at all levels. I am especially pleased to welcome Col. Martha Meeker as she becomes the first 628th Air Base Wing commander. Read her biography and you will understand why she is here; the future of the 628 ABW is very bright as she assumes the role of installation commander.
Looking back, one of the key factors to our success is superb leaders in key positions. New York Times bestselling author John Maxwell said, "The single biggest way to impact an organization is to focus on leadership development. There is almost no limit to the potential of an organization that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders and continually develops them."
In the Air Force I have often heard it said we are always training our replacement, as change and moves are inevitable. In my position, I bear witness to this change and leader development. With that, I am honored to have served with Col. Ben Wham, 437th Mission Support Group commander; Col. Connie Pockett, 437th Medical Group commander; Lt. Col. Susan Ferrara, 437th Airlift Wing director of staff; and Command Chief Master Sgt. Mike Ivey, all of whom embody this quote, both personally and by developing their subordinates. They directly contributed to the past successes of the 437 AW and guarantee the future success of Team Charleston.
Looking forward in the 437 AW, Col. Bob Holba recently took command of the 437th Operations Group, and his past excellence ensures the continued successes of the largest C-17 operations group in AMC, and we welcome he and his wife Jane to the Charleston AFB leadership team.
Working with Col. Tammy Livingood and her Air Force's best maintenance group, which will now integrate the 437th Aerial Port Squadron, the 437 MXG and 437 OG will continue to shape the face of mobility operations at home and abroad. The 437th Airlift Wing is positioned perfectly to continue to lead mobility operations.
It is definitely an exciting time. I am certain that key squadron and group leaders are in place for the 437 AW, 628 ABW and 315 AW to excel as Team Charleston thrives in this new decade.