JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
With a brisk salute and four words, "Sir, I assume command," Col. John C. Millard took command of the 89th Airlift Wing from Col. David L. Almand in a ceremony here Aug. 14.
Millard joins the home of Air Force One, known as Special Air Mission Foreign team, or simply SAM Fox, after serving as the commander of the 376th Expeditionary Wing, Transit Center Manas, Kyrgyz Republic.
Millard will command a combat-ready force of more than 1,100 personnel and provide Special Air Mission airlift and support to the president, vice president, cabinet members, combatant commanders and other senior military and elected leaders, supporting White House, Air Force chief of staff and Air Mobility Command taskings.
It takes a special Airman to command SAM Fox and for Millard, a command pilot with more than 3,200 flight hours, it's a Cinderella story starting from pilot training in 1992 and culminating with an illustrious career flying and commanding operations for a wide array of heavy aircraft, including the C-5 Galaxy, KC-10 Extender, C-17 Globemaster III and the KC-135 Stratotanker.
"I'm proud and honored to be part of this team; this no-fail mission," said Millard to the formations of Airmen before him. "Safe, comfortable, reliable, connected and protected are the measures of our success; perfection is the standard you've set, and I'm humbled to be here commanding you."
Lt. Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, 18th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony, and presented Almand a Legion of Merit Medal and retirement orders.
Almand commanded the 89th AW since Sept. 6, 2013 and retires in November.
Spelling another chapter of SAM Fox history in the making, Everhart shared the confidence the Air Force has in Millard.
"By assuming command, I'm charging [Millard] with adding to the next chapter of this Wing's legacy of excellence," said Everhart. "Command demands a strong element of character and inspires people to greatness.
"This leader demonstrates great commitment to the Airmen," Everhart said. "His expertise make him the right officer for this critical mission; [Millard] has my full confidence."