Col. William Percival assumed command of the 627th Air Base Group, from the unit's outgoing commander, Col. Will Phillips, during a change of command ceremony conducted May 24 at Joint Base Lewis McChord.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Bence, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, hosted the ceremony for the 627th ABG.

"What an honor it is to be back in my home state of Washington, to preside over today's ceremony," said Bence. "I am truly honored and humbled to be here to transfer this incredible responsibility of command from one outstanding leader to another."

During his remarks, Bence thanked everyone for coming out to witness the ceremony before commenting on both commanders.

Both the leaders sitting on stage today exemplify the ability to lead and inspire," said Bence. "They both have shown that they are committed to building an environment of trust and respect, and both have demonstrated the capability to be trusted to lead the Air Force's most valuable asset and that is our airmen and their family."

After Bence's remarks, Phillips was presented the Legion of Merit, then gave his final remarks to the men and women of the 627th ABG before relinquishing command.

Percival comes to the Pacific Northwest from the 612th Combined Air and Space Operations Center, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, where he served as the chief of Air Mobility Division overseeing a 24-member division where he directed U.S. Southern Command's intra-theater airlift and air refueling operations in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Taking command of the 627th ABG, Percival will be responsible for leading more than 4,500 military and civilian personnel that supports more than 350 units and an installation population of 44,209 military, 15,240 civilian and contract employees, and 54,465 family members.

Percival will also be responsible for managing an annual budget of $438 million and is responsible for installation management, facility maintenance and construction, environmental protection, housing, emergency management, communication systems, security and law enforcement, fire protection, dining, lodging, recreational services, human resources management, supply, and vehicle fleet management.

After Percival received the guidon from Bence, he assumed command, rendered his first salute and gave his remarks.

"Gen. Bence, thank you for this opportunity to lead the men and women of the 627th ABG," said Percival. "To the ABG team, I am honored to be your commander, I am excited to be here, and I am ready to get to work."