Change of command is time to reflect and celebrate

  • Published
  • By Capt. Shannon Mann
  • 916th Air Refueling Wing
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Members of the 916th Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve, ushered in a new wing commander during an official change of command ceremony on July 14.

Maj. Gen. Robert Duignan, commander of 4th Air Force, the tanker wing's higher headquarters, remarked to an audience of nearly 600 that while it was a sad time in which Col. Paul Sykes, former wing commander, was leaving, it was also an exciting time as the wing began a new chapter in its history with Col. Stephen 'Fritz' Linsenmeyer.

Just as any military ceremony steeped in tradition, this ceremony followed the protocol standards, but had a few extra perks to help the event be memorable.

First, the event began exactly at 9:16am to honor the refueling wing itself.

Next, 12-year-old Madeline Edwards sang the national anthem. Ms. Edwards' name might be familiar to some as her classically-trained voice won a national competition earlier this year in which she appeared on CBS's Early Show. Luckily for the 916th she resides close to the base and graced the audience with her presence, poise and voice.

Maj. Gen. Duignan addressed the audience telling them that the day was one of mixed emotions. "This is a natural part of how we do business," he said. "But it's never easy." He thanked the members of the wing for their hard work and dedication, but told them the future ahead would require them "to do more and more and more often."

The general spoke of Col. Sykes' long career in the C-141 and the C-17 before he turned his attention to the new wing commander. He told the crowd that for the Linsenmeyers this might a 'coming home' as they'd been a part of the Goldsboro community for three years in the early 90s. But more importantly he addressed the challenges ahead for the Tarheel wing and its new leader.

With the Base Realignment and Closure Act changes coming early next year the 916th will be the first of its kind in the Air Force Reserve to have the active duty associate with them, General Duignan said. "You're chartering new waters and you're here to figure it all out," he said to Col. Linsenmeyer.

Col. Sykes took the podium next thanking various members of the audience for their support and generosity during his time as wing commander. "It's been my honor to work among the great people of the 916th," he said.

As the guide-on passed from the old commander to the new commander, the wing's history changed yet again.

As his first order of business, Col. Linsenmeyer's concern for his new troops was apparent as he told them to stand at ease. It's hot and you've all been here practicing a long time, I don't want anyone to fall out, he said.

Next he addressed the community and 4th Fighter Wing leaders present telling them he was excited to build a stronger and better relationship. Finally, he redirected to his troops. "My job is to lead, guide, advocate and get the resources you need to do the job," he said.

As a salute to the new commander, the wing then did something it has not done in its history of flying KC-135s...it dedicated a flagship tanker to Col. Linsenmeyer. The flagship is normally the lead plane in most flying wings and is flown by the wing commander.

As Col. Linsenmeyer prepares for his time in command of the 916th he knows he has many challenges ahead, but his statements to the crowd reflect his dedication to the job ahead. "We're going to make this wing a role model in Air Force Reserve Command," he said.

And the wing stands ready to write yet another chapter in its history.