916 ARW welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Capt. William-Joseph Mojica
  • 916th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 916th Air Refueling Wing, the Air Force’s “Premier integrated team of combat-ready Airmen,” welcomed their new wing commander July 15.

Col. Scovill W. Currin took command of the wing from Col. Eric R. Jenkins during a change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.

Maj. Gen. Randall A. Ogden, 4th Air Force commander, Air Force Reserve Command, presided over the ceremony where he entrusted Currin, who was most recently the wing’s vice commander, to lead the way for the 916th ARW.

“We have the finest in Scovill Currin! He’s an incredible leader and was an incredible vice commander here,” Ogden said. “I look forward to your service and I know you’ll lead the way.”

Addressing the wing for the first time as the new wing commander, Currin thanked many in attendance especially the men and women of the 916th ARW.

“This is really cool,” Currin remarked. “Today is not about me, it’s about you and the great work you do every single day! When I came on for the very first time I knew immediately that this was the home of something special.”

In premiere fashion, Currin also took time to acknowledge the wing for their history of being first.

“This is the home of the first Reserve flying unit in the state of North Carolina, and the home of the very first KC-135 active associate squadron,” said Currin. “This is home of the first Integrated Wing in United States Air Force history, and you will soon be home to the Air Force’s brand new airplane, the KC-46, the first wing in Air Force Reserve Command to receive that.

“Most importantly, this wing is home to the most inspiring and motivated Airmen I have ever seen. Joining this wing is an inspiration and you guys are amazing!”

Ogden also presented Jenkins with the Legion of Merit and commended him for his service to the 916th as the outgoing wing commander.

“He is a servant leader who cares more about others,” said Ogden. “His career came second, Airmen came first and again, the 916th and the Air Force are a much better place because of your help. Thank you for your service and thank you for your friendship.”

Before relinquishing command, Jenkins gave his final remarks to the Airmen of the 916th.

“Members of the 916th, I thought I was sent here to make changes, I was wrong. The only thing I needed to do was help you remember,” Jenkins said. “You’re used to being first, and I think you remember now.

“If you have trouble remembering, look at that tail-flash—First in Flight—it’s in your DNA, so I thank you for what you have given.”