JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The 459th Air Refueling Wing welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony held in Hangar 10, here Jan. 10, 2016.
Major Gen. John C. Flournoy Jr., commander, 4th Air Force, was the presiding officer of the ceremony in which Col. David A. Owens Jr., assumed command of the 459 ARW.
"I can't think of a more qualified officer, aviator and family man that I'd rather see leading this wing," said Flournoy. "He is the perfect choice to lead the men and women of the 459th Air Refueling Wing into the future."
Owens comes to the wing from the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio where he served as the commander of the operations group. He was responsible for a equipped C-17 flying squadrons, an Operations Support Squadron and an Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, as well as safe the execution of over 5,000 annual flying hours
As the wing transitions to new leadership, the outgoing commander, Col. Thomas "TK" Smith Jr., shared parting words for his former Liberators.
"Don't forget, your commanders can't make a difference without your followership and commitment to making us a World Class Air Force," said Smith. "You continue to show this is not a second job but truly a profession. Every citizen in this country is indebted to you for this military profession you've embraced."
Owens echoed the appreciation for the Airmen of the 459 ARW.
"I am honored, truly honored to give you my very best. You bring such a tremendous capability to this great nation and I think you for that," said Owens. "I hope you don't think you are working for me, you are working for the American people. I am working for you."