Photo By Staff Sgt. Cary Smith | Brig. Gen. Lance Landrum relinquishes command of the 31st Fighter Wing to Lt. Gen....... read more read more
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Brig. Gen. Daniel Lasica took command of the 31st Fighter Wing from Brig. Gen. Lance Landrum during a change of command ceremony, June 21, 2018 at Aviano Air Base, Italy.
Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, 3rd Air Force commander, presided over the change of command ceremony and passed the wing colors to Lasica, wishing Landrum a farewell.
In attendance were Airmen, Italian air force members and local community civic leaders, friends and families. Clark provided opening remarks to those in attendance on the history of the 31st Fighter Wing, Landrum’s dedication to the wing’s mission and his confidence in Lasica’s leadership as the new commander.
“Airmen of the 31st Fighter Wing, you are the proud legacy of inspired airmen who have shown steadfast dedication to the mission and you live up to the motto you wear on your patch everyday – ‘Return With Honor’,” said Clark.
Clark went on to praise Aviano airmen recalling, “Just recently, and most impressively, virtually overnight you accepted the challenge of bedding down additional aircraft and Airmen from throughout USAFE and proved your ability to respond in a moment’s notice to stand up for our nation’s highest defense priority. You took on this colossal task, and you made it look easy.”
Clark expressed his confidence in Lasica’s leadership in his new role here in the USAFE-AFAFRICA command. “You [Lasica] are the perfect fit for the job,” said Clark.
After his speech, Clark decorated Landrum for his outstanding service as the wing commander and opened the floor for Landrum’s remarks.
“First I need to thank the men and women of the 31st Fighter Wing. It was your dedication and professionalism, your commitment to excellence that makes the 31st Fighter Wing successful,” Landrum said. “From the youngest new Airmen…to the seasoned NCOs to the strong squadron commanders, without your grit, without your tenacity, air power would not happen,” said Landrum.
He concluded by thanking the many Italian officials and friends of Aviano Air Base for their continued partnership and support by speaking in Italian.
Col. David Chace, 31st FW vice commander, called the formation to attention and rendered a salute to Landrum. Landrum then returned with his final salute as the wing commander.
Clark presided over the passing of the guidon, handing it to Lasica with a round of applause from attendees.
Lasica praised the “tenacious warriors” of the 31st Fighter Wing for their combat excellence and for leading the way. Lasica emphasized, “The 31st Fighter Wing has always been a significant place for combat air forces as a lethal go-to combat wing …and we will continue to focus on three main priorities – Mission, Airmen and Family… Let’s get out there together and return with honor.”
The ceremony concluded when Lasica gave his first salute to the men and women of the 31st Fighter Wing. Then Team Aviano, Italian airmen and civic leaders, families and friends, formed a receiving line and greeted the new 31st Fighter Wing commander.
| Date Taken: | 06.21.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.21.2018 10:11 |
| Story ID: | 281779 |
| Location: | IT |
| Web Views: | 306 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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