Warriors of the North receive new wing commander

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Ryan Sparks | Maj. Gen. Christopher Bence, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, left, and Col. Benjamin Spencer, 319th Air Base Wing commander, right, stand in preparation to pass the 319 ABW guidon. Chief Master Sgt. Brian Thomas, 319 ABW command chief, center, provided the guidon for the symbolic exchange during the wing Assumption of Command ceremony June 6, 2017, on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. Spencer and Thomas bring a two-year working relationship to the wing as they take over leading the Warriors of the North. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ryan Sparks)  

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, ND, UNITED STATES

06.06.2017

Story by Airman 1st Class Elijaih Tiggs 

Grand Forks Air Force Base

Col. Benjamin Spencer assumed command of the 319th Air Base Wing during the ceremony June 6, 2017 held here.
More than 250 Airmen, family members and community leaders witnessed Maj. Gen. Christopher Bence, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, pass the wing’s guideon to Spencer, symbolizing the appointment of his new position.
“We couldn’t ask for a more highly qualified leader to take command of the 319th than Col. Spencer,” said Bence.
Bence credited Spencer’s 22 years of experience in the Air Force as a testament to the exceptional set of skills he brings to Grand Forks Air Force Base.
Spencer came to the 319th ABW from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
“I’m inheriting a wonderful wing from Col. Rodney Lewis,” said Spencer.
Spencer also said his three priorities as the new wing commander are to fully understand the mission of the base, get out and know the Airmen, and, finally, engage with the community.

• Date Taken: 06.06.2017
• Date Posted: 06.06.2017 15:42
• Story ID: 236545
• Location: GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, ND, US