It was not uncommon during the Middle Ages for soldiers to be unaware of who their commanders were. Many of them had no clue as to what they even looked like. Change of Command ceremonies today allow troops an opportunity to not only witness the change of command, but also meet them. 

On Sunday, Oct. 6, in Hanger #9 on the McChord side of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, with a C-17 Globemaster III parked as a backdrop, the 446th Airlift Wing held their Assumption of Command ceremony.

Col. Paul M. Skipworth took over control of the 446th Airlift Wing from Presiding Officer Maj. Gen. Randall A. Ogden during an Assumption of Command Ceremony.

(Photo: Incoming Commander Col. Paul M. Skipworth and his family meet with new command and supporters after Assumption of Command Ceremony. Photo credit: Brendan Baptiste)

His control over the 446th Airlift Wing will ensure the readiness of reservists, Air Reserve technicians, and civilians to support airlift and airdrop operations worldwide. The 446th Airlift Wing also provide airlift support to Operation Deep Freeze, the National Science Foundation's U.S. Antarctic Program.

Maj. Gen. Ogden expressed his appreciation to those who have helped him throughout his career. He also owed a lot to the sacrifices his family has made during his career, and looks forward to spending more time with his family with his upcoming retirement. He then introduced Col. Skipworth, who was previously Vice Commander, 97th Air Mobility Wing, at Altus AFB, Oklahoma, and Chief of the Commander's Action Group, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, at Scott AFB, Illinois.

The two know each other well and even served together while deployed to the U.S. Air Forces Central Command, where Col. Skipworth commanded the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron. Maj. Gen. Ogden called Col. Skipworth a talented and humble leader who always puts his airmen first.

Col. Skipworth stated that their mission today is to provide ready airmen to support global operations. The planning priority and guidance for fiscal year 2020 is to be safe, compliant, and combat effective C-17 strategic airlift, airdrop, air medical evacuations operations.

Congratulations to the 446th Airlift Wing's new commander Col. Paul M. Skipworth.