GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Training Wing change of command ceremony commenced at the traditional time of 8:17 a.m., here on the parade field, June 28.
At the ceremony Col. Ricky Mills, 17th TRW commander, transferred command of the wing to Col. Andres Nazario. In a symbolic exchange of authority, Mills passed the unit guideon to his superior, Maj. Gen. Timothy Leahy, 2nd Air Force Commander, who then passed the flag to Nazario.
“I am both honored and humbled as I consider the vast responsibility inherent in command,” said Nazario.
During his time here, Mills focused on enhancing the base by improving the effectiveness and the quality of life of our service members here. Mills expanded the dining facility by 5,000 square feet, graduated over 30,000 Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Firefighting professionals, transformed ISR training for the first time in 25 years through a targeting course, maintained the leading community partnership in the Air Force, earned the 2018 Altus trophy and signed 28 formal partnership agreements.
“Live like the underdog,” said Mills. “Have the mindset of the challenger. Fight, scrap, and work harder than you think is necessary. Learn more than you think you can. Your sisters-and brothers-in-arms and citizens of this great Nation depend on you. Don’t let them down and never stop leaning forward.”
Nazario was previously stationed at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. as the former Deputy Director Joint Staff Intelligence Operations, Policy, Plans and Programs Directorate.