17th Communication Squadron change of command

U.S. Air Force Maj. Dexter Webb (right), incoming 17th Communication Squadron commander, assumes command from Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, during the 17th CS change of command ceremony, at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 5, 2022. Changes of command are a military tradition representing the transfer of responsibilities from the presiding official to the upcoming official. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Heimbuch)

17th Communication Squadron change of command

U.S. Air Force members assigned to the 17th Communications Squadron salute Maj. Dexter Webb, incoming 17th Communication Squadron commander, during the 17th CS change of command ceremony, at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 5, 2022. The squadron saluting their new commander is a time-honored tradition which is meant to introduce a new leader to the troops under their charge. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Heimbuch)

17th Communication Squadron change of command

U.S. Air Force Maj. William Bennett (right), 17th Communications Squadron outgoing commander, relinquishes command to Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, during the 17th CS change of command ceremony, at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 5, 2022. Passing the guidon physically represents the symbolism of passing the squadron responsibilities to the next commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Heimbuch)

17th Communication Squadron change of command

U.S. Air Force Maj. William Bennett (right), 17th Communications Squadron outgoing commander, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, during the 17th CS change of command ceremony, at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 5, 2022. The 17th CS welcomed incoming commander, Maj. Dexter Webb from the 51st Fighter Wing in Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Heimbuch)

17th Communications Squadron change of command

Published May 5, 2022
By Senior Airman Abbey Rieves
17th Training Wing

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- The 17th Communications Squadron conducted its change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, May 5.

“Today we are saying farewell to a phenomenal officer, and a servant leader, Major William Bennett,” said Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander. “We are also welcoming another amazing leader, Major Dexter Webb. The Comm. Squadron’s change of command is just the beginning of many changes of command, but the key aspect in the 17th Training Wing is not just the change of command, but a continuity of command.”

Under Bennett’s command, the 17th CS spent $3.2 million worth of communications contracts to execute equipment to modernize Goodfellow’s network.

“I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, I couldn’t do anything without him,” said Maj. William Bennett, 17th CS outgoing commander. “I feel super pumped and safe knowing that I am transitioning this mission to a very competent leader.”

Reilman offered Dexter his charge.

“First, collaborate until it hurts, across the wing, community and command, build those relationships,” said Reilman. “We absolutely have to get this right for the communications network infrastructure. Second: continue to innovate and solve for agility. I need what will be required to operate ten years from now. That will continue to transform training and build the next generation of firefighters, and joint intelligence professionals to defeat any adversary. That’s your charge and I know you are up to it.”

The 17th CS welcomed incoming commander, Maj. Dexter Webb from the 51^st Fighter Wing in Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

“It’s good to be back in my home state of Texas,” said Webb. “Goodfellow Air Force Base, first to all, second to none, this is Combat One, signing on.”

Dexter will lead the 17th CS in operating, securing and defending cyberspace systems to enable training of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and fire protection professionals for America and her allies.