More than 15 civic leaders and community partners from the Puget Sound took an oath to support the men and women of Team McChord and the United States Air Force during an Honorary Commander change-of-command ceremony at the McChord Chapel Support Center Feb. 22., Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The Honorary Commander program is an Air Force public affairs initiative to educate community partners with limited knowledge about the Air Force by teaming them up with commanders at Air Force bases.

This program enables an inside view to life in the Air Force with key leaders, an opportunity which otherwise would not occur.

"It's a very special day and a very meaningful ceremony," said Col. Leonard Kosinski, 62nd Airlift Wing commander. "It's an honor to have you here today. We are full of appreciation for our community partners who have served and bettered the lives of our airmen and their families."

Kosinksi emphasized the significance of the program and the vitality of it.

"You (honorary commanders) have enabled worldwide mobility airlift and made our military stronger through your efforts," Kosinski said. "It's crucial to have an open and cooperative relationship with our community, which is why Team McChord's Honorary Commanders Program is very important to us."

The last time an honorary commander's change of command was conducted on McChord was 2013, when eight new commanders were welcomed in.