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Col. Edmondson takes command of 81st TRW

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Duncan McElroy
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Col. Michele Edmondson took command of the 81st Training Wing during a change of command ceremony at the Levitow Training Support Facility drill pad, June 26, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi.

Maj. Gen. Mark Brown, 2nd Air Force commander, officiated the ceremony.

"I can't think of an Airman better prepared to take this wing even further than Colonel Michele Edmondson," said Brown. "These Airmen out there already know Colonel Edmondson; she met them at BMT when they got off the bus and led them as they made the transition from civilians to Airmen. She knows the art of command.

"She knows the training business and understands the operational requirements of the Air Force," Brown continued. "My charge to her is to love these Airmen, and to train, develop and inspire them."

After accepting command, Edmondson addressed the Airmen of the 81st TRW.

"Thank you for the incredible opportunity to lead this wing," Edmondson said. "I'm incredibly humbled and honored to be the next wing commander. There's no place I'd rather be. I'm passionate about Airmen and passionate about training. I truly believe there's no more significant impact that we can have on our Air Force than ensuring we train the most professional, competent Airmen we can. To the men and women of the 81st TRW, first impressions speak volumes, and wow, I'm impressed."

Edmondson also expressed her commitment to the men and women of Team Keesler.

"I think if you take care of your people, the mission will take care of itself," she said. "That's my number one priority, is to give our great Airmen all the tools they need to do a great job. I can't wait to get out and get involved."

As the new 81st TRW commander, Edmondson is responsible for commanding 12,000 Airmen and civilians, providing technical training for officers, enlisted and civilians of the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves as well as other Defense Department agencies, featuring numerous electronic, computer, weather, medical, personnel, comptroller and information management career fields.

The outgoing commander, Brig. Gen. Patrick Higby, will serve on the Air Staff at the Pentagon, where he will be part of the directorate responsible for all information dominance policy for the Air Force.