Photo By Grace Thomson | Col. Douglas N. Strawbridge, 911th Airlift Wing commander, gives a speech during an...... read more read more
Col. Douglas N. Strawbridge took the helm of the 911th Airlift Wing during an assumption of command ceremony here, April 6, 2018.
Strawbridge, formerly the vice commander of the wing, will lead the 911th AW through a period of change as it converts its mission capabilities from the C-130 Hercules aircraft to the C-17 Globemaster III.
“If you look up the word ‘dynamic’ in the dictionary, you’ll find it defined as a process or system characterized by constant change, activity, or progress,” said Strawbridge. “To survive in this world as an individual or as an entity, we must be willing to change. The great thing is, we can do it together.”
Because of this mission change, the assumption of command ceremony took place alongside a change of Numbered Air Force ceremony. The commanders of the 22nd Air Force and 4th Air Force, Maj. Gen. Craig L. La Fave and Maj. Gen. Randall A. Ogden respectively, both gave remarks at the ceremony.
“[Strawbridge] was selected by two NAF commanders, which is highly unusual,” said La Fave.
Ogden, who hosted the ceremony, emphasized that though he has not yet served alongside Strawbridge, he is certain that he is the right man to lead the 911th AW.
“I had not met him before, but his reputation precedes him,” said Ogden. “It speaks to his heart that he embodies servant leadership and a servant heart, to serve and not be served.”
Others who attended the ceremony included local area leaders like Congressman Keith Rothfus, Congressman Tim Murphy, Congressman-elect Connor Lamb, and 910th AW Commander Col. Daniel Sarachene. Ogden emphasized that the 911th AW, as well as the 4th Air Force, was incredibly blessed to have such strong community support.
Strawbridge told Airmen of the wing that he would do his best to lead them well in the trials to come. He said the work ethic at the 911th AW was second to none and the wing would continue to get the mission done as it always has, despite any challenges that a new mission may bring.
Strawbridge said that he had been “given a gem” by the previous commander and that he hoped that he could improve upon what had been done previously. In expanding the mission from tactical airlift to strategic airlift, he hopes to build upon the wing’s strengths and make it a benchmark for the U.S. Air Force Reserve and the U.S. Air Force as a whole.
“It’s going to be a great ride,” he said. “We have a huge and fantastic future ahead of us, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
| Date Taken: | 04.06.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2018 09:10 |
| Story ID: | 275842 |
| Location: | PITTSBURGH AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, PA, US |
| Hometown: | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US |
| Hometown: | PITTSBURGH, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 102 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Col. Strawbridge assumes command of 911th AW, by 1st Lt. Marjorie Schurr, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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