New wing commander takes the reins

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tara Fadenrecht
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Col. Albert Miller took command of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing from Col. Joel Jackson during a change of command ceremony here, Feb. 12.

Lt. Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, 18th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony, which has been an Air Force tradition since the branch's establishment. The transfer of the unit guidon symbolizes the transfer of authority from the previous commander to the new commander.

After 21 months Jackson leaves the 22nd ARW after commanding over 3,000 active-duty Airmen and overseeing ongoing construction throughout the base in preparation for the arrival of the KC-46A Pegasus.

During the ceremony, Jackson was awarded the Legion of Merit medal by Everhart in recognition of his outstanding service during his time at McConnell.

"Twenty-one months ago I said that there was no place I would rather be at this point in our Air Force history and I was right," said Jackson. "To have the honor to see you all do so much was absolutely mind blowing."

"As we bid farewell to Col. Jackson, we welcome another great leader, Col. Miller, and charge him with adding the next chapter to this wing's amazing legacy of excellence," said Everhart.

Miller is a command pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours on various aircraft, including the KC-135R Stratotanker. He joins McConnell after serving as the 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing commander at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

"I am honored to stand here today as your commander," said Miller. "Not 'the' commander, but your commander. I pledge to give you my very best to ensure you have the resources and training to accomplish your mission, the development so you can advance and take on even greater responsibilities in your careers, and the support for your families so you can flourish and serve."