KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Accepting the 403rd Wing guidon on May 7, 2017 and serving as your commander for the past two years has truly been an honor and a privilege. Leaving the 403rd Wing will certainly not be easy. The dedication of every Airman and your families is second to none.
What a busy two years it has been! The 815th Airlift Squadron, after years of uncertainty, reached full operational capability on Nov. 3, 2017, and deployed with the 803rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in January 2018. While deployed, you executed the tactical airlift mission flawlessly for the Central Command Commander. In addition, over the past 8 months, over 150 403rd Wing members have been successfully executing their combat support missions in contingencies around the world.
In addition, the last two storm seasons have been very busy and the ability of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron and 403rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron to respond quickly to multiple, simultaneous storm taskings was impressive. The Air Force Reserve “Hurricane Hunters” flew more than 170 missions into 24 named storms. They even flew three storms – Irma, Jose and Katia – simultaneously from three different locations. Whatever this year’s season brings, I know they will continue to excel.
Whether providing mobility airlift, weather reconnaissance, aeromedical evacuation, or combat support, this wing is phenomenal at getting the mission done. From training to readiness exercises to mission, you have proven you are willing and able to meet any challenge. Your commitment to our Nation is amazing.
This will be my last Unit Training Assembly with the 403rd Wing, and it will be fast paced! I am excited about all of the training we will accomplish as well as the 403rd Wing Feed and Farewell at the Marina on Thursday night. I hope you will come out and enjoy some camaraderie, food, and relaxation.
As I depart, I ask you to remain focused on preparing for the future fight and never forget our Core Values … Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. As I said, I am truly honored to have been your commander and part of this incredible team. Many thanks to your families for all of their support and sacrifice and to you for your hard work and dedication. You make the 403rd Wing the “Wing of Choice!”