Colonel Rupp assumes leadership of 22nd ARW

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Laura L. Valentine
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Surrounded by Team McConnell, family members and community members, Col. Jamie Crowhurst relinquished command of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing to Col. Ricky Rupp, in a change of command ceremony June 21, 2011.

Presiding over the ceremony was Lt. Gen. Robert Allardice, 18th Air Force commander.

With two KC-135 Stratotankers framing the ceremony stage and the cool Kansas air blowing through Hangar 1176, General Allardice described the importance of Air Mobility Command Airmen's abilities to answer our nation's call.

During the ceremony, Colonel Crowhurst thanked the Kansas community, civic leaders and Total Force partners of the 184th Intelligence Wing and the 931st Air Refueling Group for their continued support of Team McConnell.

"In the 24 years of service that I've had so far, I've never seen a more supportive community," said Colonel Crowhurst. "Nor have I experienced a better relationship with our surrounding community partners than here at McConnell."

For the dedication and teamwork from the Airmen of the 22nd ARW and the support of their family members and friends, Colonel Crowhurst expressed his heartfelt gratitude.

"Over the last two years, I've had the privilege to lead this amazing team," said Colonel Crowhurst. "They've provided superior warfighter support around the globe and here at home."

During the ceremony, Colonel Crowhurst was awarded the Legion of Merit for outstanding services to the United States, visionary leadership and dedication to a strong community partnership while in command of the 22nd ARW.

"Men and women of the 22nd, military and civilian, it's been an honor serving with each one of you," said Colonel Crowhurst. "God bless each one of you, God bless our Air Force and God bless the United States."

Colonel Crowhurst leaves McConnell after two years as commander of the 22nd ARW, the largest KC-135 wing in the world. The 22nd has 63 KC-135 and more than 5,500 military and civilian personnel. Colonel Crowhurst's next assignment will be U.S. Air Force Headquarters air operations director at the Pentagon.

Previously stationed at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Colonel Rupp served as the vice commander to the 18th Wing, the largest combat wing in the U.S. Air Force.

After commissioning in May 1989, Colonel Rupp's experience spans a variety of flying and staff assignments at the squadron, wing, major command and Department of Defense levels.

"I'm honored and humbled to be standing here in front of you," said Colonel Rupp. "I very much look forward to serving with each of you here at McConnell."

With the simple statement of, "I assume command," and accepting the guidon, Colonel Rupp took command of the 22nd ARW.

"Today's ceremony was truly heartfelt," said Airman 1st Class Brandon Bassett, 22nd ARW budget analyst. "It is a reminder of what we do and why we do it."