Photo By Heide Couch | U. S. Air Force Colonel John M. Klein, Jr. addresses the audience for the first time...... read more read more
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Col. John Klein Jr. took command of the 60th Air Mobility Wing during a change-of-command ceremony June 28 at Travis Air Force Base, California.
Klein assumed command from Col. Joel Jackson, outgoing 60th AMW commander, who is headed overseas to be the special assistant to Army Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, who is set to become commander of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe.
Lt. Gen. Sam Cox, 18th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony in which he commented on Jackson’s accomplishments during his 16-months as wing commander.
“He has done fantastic work here at Travis at every single level,” said Cox. “If you look at some of his accomplishments here, strengthening of the community relationship speaks volumes to what he’s done to make sure we have a vibrant community relationship here at Travis. The total force effort, the fact that (Maj. Gen.) John Flournoy (4th Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command commander) is here and (Col.) Ray Kozak (349th AMW commander) is here, speaks volumes of the tight relationship you have between the Reserves and the active force, it’s important.”
Jackson has spent approximately 13 years at Travis in various positions. He commented on how proud he was to serve as the wing commander and see the wing accomplish so much during his tenure.
“It has been a complete team effort, active duty, Reserve and our community partners,” said Jackson. “It was you, the Airmen, ensuring we were all organized, trained and equipped, providing mission ready Airmen and rapid global mobility to the combatant commanders. I could not be more proud to have served with all of you the past 16-months as we end our close to 13 years at Travis Air Force Base. Travis has been such a big part of our Air Force story and it has been a true honor to spend this time as the 60th (Air Mobility) Wing command team.”
Jackson welcomed the Klein family back to Travis AFB for a third time.
“I wouldn’t feel comfortable giving custody to the 60th to just anyone,” said Jackson. “I know (Col. Klein and Anji) are the right people to lead the 60th. They have the vision, compassion and integrity.”
Klein, who spent his previous two years as chief of mobility, vertical lift, and special operations requirements division at Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., commissioned as a second lieutenant after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in astronautical engineering. Klein is a command pilot with more than 3,000, flying hours including 340 combat hours. He has served as an evaluator pilot, mission commander and Air Force weapons officer.
As the 60th AMW commander, Klein is responsible for the combined efforts of all operations and support activities associated with the worldwide air mobility mission at Travis. The colonel is also responsible for ensuring the readiness and well being of more than 26,000 active duty, Reserve and civilian personnel and their families.
“The last few days, Anji, the kids and I all remarked how it feels as if we never left,” said Klein. “It’s like coming home. It’s quite surreal.”
After thanking all the units involved in the change-of-command ceremony, Klein thanked Cox and Gen. Carlton Everhart II, Air Mobility Command commander, for the opportunity to serve the men and women of the 60th AMW and their families.
“I’m excited to get started,” said Klein. “I now have the best job in the Air Force.”
| Date Taken: | 06.28.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.29.2016 13:33 |
| Story ID: | 202749 |
| Location: | TRAVIS AFB, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 108 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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