Former 62nd AW commander to lead AMC

By Tyler Hemstreet on November 24, 2009

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AMC PA) — Gen. Raymond Johns Jr. assumed command of Air Mobility Command from Gen. Arthur J. Lichte in a ceremony here Nov. 20.

AMC is responsible for providing rapid, global mobility and sustainment for America's armed forces. As the commander, Johns acts as the lead agent for all mobility air forces comprised of more than 130,000 personnel from the active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve. The command also plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian support at home and around the world.

Johns comes to AMC from the Pentagon where he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. Past assignments with AMC include serving as the 62nd Airlift Wing commander, 60th Operations Group commander at Travis AFB, Calif., and senior director at the Tanker Airlift Control Center at Scott AFB.

Johns served at McChord from August of 1998 to July of 2000.

 "Though I've been away from the command for a few years, AMC is part of my blood," Johns said. "AMC is part of the fabric of my Air Force life."

Lichte is set to retire in January.