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Col. Richard W. Gibbs took command of the 377th Air Base Wing from Col. Eric Froehlich during a change of command ceremony, June 16.
Change of command ceremonies are a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another. Froehlich used the stage to welcome Col. Gibbs and say his final goodbyes to the wing he’s commanded since June 2014.
“It’s a momentous occasion for the Gibbs family today and I wish you all the best,” said Froehlich. “I could not imagine a better person, a better team, to turn this Tiger family over to. You’re going to take it to new heights. They’re wonderful Airmen, and they’re going to take care of you.”
Presiding over the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, 20th Air Force commander, who passed the wing colors to Gibbs and wished Froehlich farewell. “My sincere thanks go to you and Stephanie for your superior leadership of the Tigers,” said Cotton. “As we say farewell to one accomplished leader, we’re fortunate to welcome another. Colonel Gibbs is an outstanding officer, and I am proud to welcome him to our command and Kirtland Air Force Base.”
Gibbs became the 19th commander to lead the host unit of Kirtland Air Force Base. The wing supports more than 100 mission partners on the base, by executing nuclear, readiness, and support operations for American air power. Gibbs joins Team Kirtland from Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, where he was the Deputy Director, Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command.
“The 377th has an amazing history in its own right,” said Gibbs. “But especially here in Albuquerque, where [my family and I] cannot wait to jump in and be a part of the community. We look forward to continuing the great work that Kirtland does every day.”
Froehlich will serve as the Vice Commander, Air Force Sustainment Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
| Date Taken: | 06.16.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 06.21.2017 11:20 |
| Story ID: | 238636 |
| Location: | KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NM, US |
| Hometown: | KNOXVILLE, TN, US |
| Hometown: | WICHITA FALLS, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 62 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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