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JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – U.S. Air Force Col. Travolis A. Simmons took command of the 3rd Wing during a change of command ceremony here, July 17, 2020.
Simmons’ previous assignment was vice commander of the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. He replaces Col. Robert D. Davis, who departs to become the vice director of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) operations, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
“I can’t tell you how blessed and humbled I am to stand before you as the 3rd WG commander,” Simmons said. “It is my promise I will do everything in my power to ensure the 3rd WG remains at peak readiness to accomplish the airpower business of our nation.
“From my vantage, our success as a team will be contingent not only upon our ability to perform flawless combat ops, but also our ability to respect each other, care for each other and value each other as a teammate,” Simmons continued. “Make no mistake about it, I’m 100 percent committed to the mission, but I’m also 100 percent committed to you and to your families. I’m excited to be here, excited to get started, and I’m excited for the opportunities that we’re going to have to continue the 3rd WG legacy of relentless Airmen, providing relentless airpower.”
As commander, Simmons will oversee the 3rd WG mission to provide trained and equipped tactical air dominance forces, command and control platforms, and strategic and tactical airlift resources for contingency operations. The 3rd WG also provides the commander of U.S. Northern Command immediate early airborne detection, warning, surveillance and interception of hostile forces within the Alaskan NORAD region. The wing flies the F-22 Raptor, C-17 Globemaster III, C-12 Huron and E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system, and is responsible for over 2,200 assigned Airmen.
“This wing is an incredible wing, it’s got a proud history,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Krumm, Commander of Alaskan Command, Eleventh Air Force, and Alaska NORAD Command. “As Col. Davis’ command comes to a close, we welcome Col. Simmons and his family. You have my full confidence coming in as commander of the 3rd WG. Your experience and mindset give me no doubt that you will continue to guide this team in continued excellence.”
The change of command ceremony is a mission-essential activity which ensures and maintains mission readiness and homeland defense. However, due to the current conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, this event was closed to the public. Precautions such as social distancing and minimal crowd size were implemented. Video and photos of the ceremony are published for viewing at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/JBERPA and https://www.facebook.com/JBER3WG/.
For more information about Simmons visit: https://www.jber.jb.mil/Info/Biographies/Display/Article/2278125/colonel-travolis-a-simmons/.
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2020 19:30 |
| Story ID: | 374157 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, US |
| Web Views: | 16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 3rd Wing holds change of command ceremony, by SSgt Crystal Jenkins, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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