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627th Air Base Group (ABG) changes hands

New JBLM Deputy Commander

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Change of Command ceremonies are a military tradition rooted from the time of Frederick the Great of Prussia (early 1700s), known by many as one of the first "genius" military commanders.

During that era, military organizations created specialized flags that signified their organization, created a visual symbol to follow during battles and would remain standing after battle if their side had not been defeated.

With all of the importance surrounding these specialized flags, it was logical to have them follow the commander, even when the commanding duties would be shifting to someone new.

Having these flags as a part of the transfer of power became a tradition for military commanders and their organizations during change of command ceremonies.

In present day, change of command ceremonies allow subordinates and family members an opportunity to witness this formal transfer of duties, authority, accountability and command from one officer to another.

Col. Will H. Phillips III, relinquished command of the 627th Air Base Group (ABG) and duties as Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Deputy Commander to Col. William Percival, in a change of command ceremony held on Wednesday, May 24 in Hangar 9 on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).

The Presiding Officer for the 627 ABG Change of Command Ceremony was Major General Christopher Bence.

This command position is unique with the additional duties and responsibilities it holds.

"The 627 ABG/CC is a dual-hatted position," said Col. Phillips.   "I am the commander of 672 airmen who provide worldwide expeditionary air combat support and the Deputy Joint Base Commander who helps Col. Morgan (Joint Base Commander) supervise over 4,000 personnel and execute a $400 million dollar Operation & Maintenance budget to provide installation support to JBLM."

Balancing time in dual roles was one of the more difficult tasks.

"Doing a dual role position...I had to constantly figure out how much time to spend in either the 627 ABG Commander or in my Deputy Joint Base Commander position," added Phillips.

During his time in command of the 627th ABG, Col. Phillips was responsible for organizing, training and equipping more than 800 airmen in five squadrons and the Chaplain and Equal Opportunity offices to execute installation support at home station and provide Expeditionary Combat Support to military operation worldwide.

The 627th Air Base Group has been under Col. Phillips command since August 2015.

Phillips was a flight commander at the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron (APS) at McChord Field from 1999 to 2001 and became an executive officer for the 62nd Operations Group from 2001 to 2002. From 2008 to 2010, he served as the commander of the 62nd APS.

He received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, NATO Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal during his Air Force Career.

During the change of command ceremony held, Col. Phillips duties were relinquished to Col. Percival.

Colonel Will Percival will command the 627 ABG and will wear two hats as well, as he will also be the Deputy Joint Base Commander.

Percival comes to JBLM from the Air Mobility Division of the 612th Air and Space Operations Center at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.

The Air Mobility Division plans, coordinates, tasks and executes intra-theater airlift, aeromedical evacuation and air refueling missions within the U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility.

During his career, Percival has received a Bronze Star, Campaign Medals for Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, Air Force Commendation Medal and Army Commendation Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal as well as other commendations.

Having been assigned to both the U.S. Army Command and Air Mobility Commands, Col. Percival has an extensive background working in a joint capacity and operating from a joint base.

"I am excited to be here and have heard so many great things about this community,' Col. Percival said.

What is next for Col. Phillips?

"I am heading to Headquarters Air Force Space Command in Colorado Springs, CO to become its Chief of the Logistics Division," Col. Phillips said.   "It is a perfect match since I am a logistics readiness officer and Colorado Springs is my hometown."

This will be his first assignment in Colorado.

Although he is excited to head back to his hometown, Col. Phillips expressed the many services and benefits that are available to young airmen.

"We have a lot of services available on the installation (libraries, arts & crafts, auto hobby shop, base pool, club, golf courses, 5K events, multiple CDCs, medical support, etc.) that are not available at many other traditional Air Force bases," he added.  "Take advantage of those services while you are assigned at JBLM because your next base may not have them."

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