JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The men and women of Joint Base Andrews welcomed the 89th Airlift Wing's new commander here Feb. 12 despite record snowfall hitting the National Capital Region and closing down government buildings at the local, state and federal level.
Colonel Jacqueline D. Van Ovost assumed command from Col. Steven B. Harrison during a ceremony officiated by Lt. Gen. Robert R. Allardice, 18th Air Force commander.
"It is an honor to be back in Air Mobility Command and be entrusted to command this wing," Colonel Van Ovost said during her acceptance speech. Her last assignment within the command was when she commanded the 384th Air Refueling Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., in 2003.
The 1988 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate previously served as the commander of Air Education and Training Command's 12th Flying Training Wing at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, since March 2008. She is a command pilot with nearly 4,000 flying hours in several mobility aircraft, including the C-17A Globemaster III, C-141B Starlifter and KC-135 Stratotanker. The colonel has also seen duty as an experimental test pilot and an instructor pilot.
To the 89th Airmen - military, civilian and contractors - she said, "It's a privilege to serve with you."
Colonel Van Ovost's awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Air Medal.
Colonel Harrison will become the deputy director of Operational Logistics on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.
The 89th mission is enabling national interests through global transportation for America's senior leaders ... "Safe, comfortable, reliable, connected and protected!"