60th OG welcomes new commander

Photo By Heide Couch | U.S. Air Force Col. John Klein, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, hands the guidon to Col. Theresa E. Weems, 60th Operations Group commander, as she assumes command during the 60th OG Change of Command Ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Jul 7, 2017. The 60th Operations Group is responsible for daily air operations of the largest air mobility wing in the United States Air Force. With more than 1,000 personnel and $10 billion in assets, the group is tasked with operating 18 C-5M Super Galaxys, 13 C-17 Globemasters, and 27 KC-10 Extender aircraft on worldwide mobility and air refueling missions. In addition, the 60 OG manages all mission support activities, to include an operations support squadron providing air traffic control, weather, intelligence, flight management support, aircrew flight equipment, and KC-10 initial qualification and upgrade training. The ceremony rooted in military history dating back to the 18th Century where the command flag is passed to the individual assuming command in the presence of the entire unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Heide Couch)  

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, CA, UNITED STATES

07.07.2017

Story by Staff Sgt. Nicole Leidholm 

60th Air Mobility Wing

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Airmen from the 60th Operations Group welcomed their new commander, Col. Theresa Weems, during a change of command ceremony July 7 at Travis Air Force Base, California.

“Today, we say thank you,” said Col. John Klein, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, who presided over the ceremony. “Today, we say goodbye, and today, we welcome a new leader and a new chapter in the history of the 60th Operations Group.”

As commander of the 60th OG, Col. Christopher Maddox was directly responsible for the daily operations of the largest air mobility wing in the Air Force. With $10 billion in assets, the group is tasked with operating 18 C-5M Super Galaxy, 13 C-17 Globemaster III and 27 KC-10 Extender aircraft on worldwide airland and air refueling missions.

In addition, Maddox directed all mission support activities; including an operations support squadron providing air traffic control, weather forecasts, intelligence, flight management support, aircrew flight equipment and KC-10 initial qualification and upgrade training.

“When you relinquish command this morning and retire this afternoon, know that you’ve unleashed creative innovation in a generation of Airmen that will make sure we remain the greatest Air Force,” said Klein. “I’m delighted to pass (Weems) the 60th Operations Group, and we look forward to watching the 60th Operations Group flourish under your leadership and adding your name and contributions to the legacy of other 60th Operations Group commanders that have come before you.”

Klein presented Maddox with the Legion of Merit for his accomplishments as the 60th OG commander. His accomplishments include leading the largest operations group in Air Mobility Command, managing assets over $10 billion while ensuring the readiness and well-being of nearly 1,000 active-duty and civilian personnel and their families. Under his leadership, the 60th OG generated 12,600 sorties and 5,500 missions, offloading 486 million pounds of fuel, delivering over 101,700 tons of cargo and 65,500 passengers.


Maddox thanked the crowd of Airmen, distinguished visitors, family members and other guests during his farewell remarks.

“The sun never sets on the Airmen of the 60th Operations Group,” said Maddox. “From the sands of the Middle East to the seas across the Pacific Rim, this great team keeps answering the call whenever the nation needs them. I know this group will flourish under (Weems’) leadership. Welcome to the best operations group in the Air Force. Your Airmen will never let you down. I’m comforted to know they are in such great hands.”

Maddox relinquished command to Klein with the traditional passing of the guidon. Klein then designated Weems as the new 60th OG commander. Following the change of command ceremony, Maddox retired after 22 years of service in the Air Force

“Colonel Maddox, thank you for building the 60th Operations Group into the awesome team it is today,” said Weems. “You’ve laid a strong foundation of trust, innovation and determination, and is apparent through each of the squadrons. To the (60th) Operations Group, you’re a wonderfully diverse group and perform a wide range of functions that are each crucial to carrying out the mobility mission. I’m incredibly fortunate to be back in the 60th Operations Group and to join a long line of incredible leaders and sustain a legacy of unity, teamwork and innovation.”

This marks Weems’ second time at Travis AFB. Where she previously served from 2004 to 2008 as a KC-10 instructor aircraft commander, flight commander, chief pilot and operations officer for the 9th Air Refueling Squadron.

Weems’ previous assignments include the communications team chief and deputy director for the secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, executive action group at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and as an Air Force Fellow at George C. Marshall European Center for Security studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

“I’m excited to meet all the men and women of the 60th Operations Group,” said Weems. “To learn your stories and to see the amazing things you dream and accomplish for yourselves, your fellow Airmen and for our Air Force.”

• Date Taken: 07.07.2017
• Date Posted: 07.11.2017 13:46
• Story ID: 240665
• Location: TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, CA, US