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97th AMW continues on road of excellence with change of command

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 97th Air Mobility Wing's new commander, Col. Jon Thomas, accepted the reins of the "Mighty 97th" from the outgoing commander, Col. David Allvin, during a change of command ceremony July 14 here.

As Colonel Thomas, former 86th Operations Group commander at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, stepped into his new role, he said he knew exactly what Altus needed -- a steady hand at the controls.

"My impression from day one has been that this is a wing that is running well. So don't expect large course changes as we get started," Colonel Thomas said. "As I get to learn the job, sure, there will be some adjustments, but right now we need to stay focused on the mission and continue preparing for the UCI (Unit Compliance Inspection)."

In addition to the 97th AMW missions of "forging combat mobility forces and deploying Airmen warriors" the new wing commander will also focus his efforts on improving the quality of life for Airmen and families at Altus.

"Although it may not be in the mission statement, quality of life is a key supporting element," he said. "Assuring Altus AFB is a great place to work and live ensures that our Airmen will always be ready to successfully perform the mission."

Colonel Thomas said he hopes to continue the record of excellence at Altus.

"A lot of good thought and innovation is going on here," Colonel Thomas said. "(The 97th AMW) is active and excited about how we can do things better; I want to nurture that culture and grow it even further beyond what we have accomplished to date."

Colonel Thomas worked diligently with his predecessor and current group commanders to make the wing transition as seamless as possible by familiarizing himself with each group to ensure no project -- large or small -- falls through the cracks.

"As outgoing and incoming commanders, we owe it to our Airmen to make sure that our efforts continue seamlessly," he said.

Colonel Thomas explained a good attitude goes a long way to a wing's success.

"Show motivation, excitement and enthusiasm for the mission and what you're doing in support of it," he said. "Show it in what you do, in the quality of your work and in how you train other Airmen."

Colonel Thomas said he is proud to be here and looks forward to serving as the commander of the wing.

"To come to a wing with outstanding Airmen, executing a superb mission, backed by a hugely supportive community, well, as a new wing commander, I just don't know what else you could ask for," he said. "It is just a great opportunity to be here. My family and I are proud to be part of the Mighty 97th and the Altus community. I think we are really going to enjoy this tour."