(SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.) - Lt. Gen. Darren W. McDew formally assumed command of the 18th Air Force from Lt. Gen. Mark F. Ramsay in a change of command ceremony Aug. 6 at the Scott Club.

The 18th Air Force is Air Mobility Command's sole warfighting numbered air force, and is responsible for AMC's worldwide operational mission. With more than 39,000 active-duty Airmen and civilians and approximately 1,300 airlift and air refueling aircraft, 18th Air Force manages the Air Force's global mobility enterprise through the 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center), 11 active duty wings and two standalone groups.

"To me this is a very special day," said Gen. Raymond E. Johns, Jr., commander of Air Mobility Command, as he addressed the two commanders, mission and community partners, and the command's Airmen gathered for the ceremony. "18th Air Force is the largest numbered air force in our Air Force. At any moment you are touching people all across the globe, delivering hope, fueling the fight and saving lives."

McDew is the seventh commander of 18th Air Force since its reactivation in 2003. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Air Force District of Washington commander at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., from December 2010 to July 2012. He has served at Scott twice before; as the 375th Air Mobility Wing commander from January 2002 to July 2003 and as 18th Air Force's vice commander from July 2006 to November 2007.

"Many things have changes since I left as the 18th Air Force vice commander," said McDew. "What hasn't changed is mobility Airmen. You still have a commitment to success. You still have a commitment and a dedication to selfless service. And I am still proud of you."