KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --
Col. Jennie R. Johnson took command of the 403rd Wing during a change of command ceremony at the Isochronal Aircraft Maintenance Hangar here today.
Maj. Gen. John Stokes, 22nd Air Force commander, officiated the ceremony.
Colonel Johnson is the right person for this job and has a track record of success, he said.
“I have had the great privilege of working with her,” said the general. Johnson’s previous assignment was as the chief of staff for the 22nd Air Force, Dobbins Air Force Base, Georgia.
After accepting command, Johnson addressed the 403rd Wing.
“Command is a privilege, and it’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly,” she said. “As I take command I promise you three things. First, my actions will always be in line with our Air Force’s core values; integrity first, service before self, excellence in all we do. Second, I will give you 100 percent every single day because my fellow Airmen deserve no less. And third, I will remain focused on what matters most, our Airmen and our mission.
“I am truly honored to be joining this incredible team of Reserve Citizen Airmen,” said Johnson. “I am looking forward to the future. I am really excited as we head into storm season. As we prepare for our future deployment I am confident the 403rd Wing will be ready to answer our nations call.”
As the new wing commander, the colonel leads more than 1,500 Reserve and civilian professionals who accomplish the wing’s mission to train, equip and employ airlift forces in support of the nation’s interests. This includes the only weather reconnaissance mission in the Department of Defense in addition to tactical airlift and airdrop, aeromedical evacuation and agile combat support.
“I look forward to serving you and serving with you in the world’s greatest Air Force,” she said.
Johnson entered the Air Force in September 1994. After her initial assignment as an assistant staff judge advocate, she became a C-130 navigator. In 2003, after serving nine years on active duty, she transitioned to the civilian workforce while continuing to serve in the United States Air Force Reserve. She has held leadership positions at the squadron, group, wing and numbered Air Force levels.
The outgoing commander, Col. Michael W. Manion, retired today during a ceremony at the Roberts Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Facility.