Wing command changes hands

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Hehnly
  • 911th Public Affairs
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  The 911th Airlift Wing is under new leadership after a change of command ceremony was held at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, May 6, 2012.

Col. Craig C. Peters assumed command of the 911th AW from 22nd Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Wallace W. "Wade" Farris, Jr.

Immediately after assuming command, Col. Peters addressed the wing. He began his speech by thanking all those in attendance, specifically Maj. Gen. Farris for providing him with the chance to positively impact yet another unit within the 22nd AF, Maj. Gen. James N. Stewart, Military Executive Officer, Reserve Forces Policy Board, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C., for his advice and guidance over the years, his family for their love and support, and the men and women of the 911 AW.

"Throughout my career my drive has always remained focused on making positive impacts on the organizations I'm part of," said Col. Peters. "I take the [Air Force] core values serious; always aiming to make tough decisions which are in the best interest of the unit, our Air Force, and our nation. You have my commitment that I will continue this charge."

The prior-enlisted electronic warfare system specialist, turned officer, comes to the 911th AW with over 28 years of military experience.

Most recently, Col. Peters served as the commander of the 910th Operations Group at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Ohio. He has also held positions at the squadron, group, numbered Air Force, and headquarters level.

Throughout his career, he served as a C-17 and C-5 evaluator and instructor pilot at a number of duty stations. With more than 6,800 flying hours, the colonel has flown in every operational conflict since Operation Desert storm.

In his speech Col. Peters recognized that meeting the demands of today's operational reserve isn't an easy task. He knows this first hand, he volunteered to lead the wing under the pending Fiscal Year 2013 closure action.

"Without doubt, we live during a period of many challenges, and here at the 911th our headwinds are strong," said the colonel. As we navigate our way through these headwinds, I'm going to ask you to remain focused on the mission. Our priorities will remain mission, people, and professionalism, however, we cannot allow complacency or these headwinds will tarnish our outstanding safety record."

Offering further encouragement and motivation to the wing, Col. Peters concluded his speech by echoing the words of late President Ronald Regan:

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. Or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

Col. Peters' predecessor, Col. Pennington has been reassigned to command the 433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.