CORAOPOLIS, Pa. -- Col. John F. Robinson took the reins of the 911th Airlift Wing during an assumption of command ceremony here, November 2, 2019.
Robinson previously served as the commander of the 445th Operations Group, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Now, he will lead the 911th AW into a new era as it converts its mission capabilities from the C-130 Hercules aircraft to the C-17 Globemaster III.
During his remarks, Robinson spoke of the positive experience he had at Wright-Patterson AFB, and said he is humbled at the opportunity to lead the 911th AW into the future.
“Thank you to the 911th AW and Pittsburgh for the warm welcome to the area,” said Robinson. “I look forward to serving with you in the coming years.”
Maj. Gen. Randall A. Ogden, 4th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony in front of an audience of nearly 900 invited guests, to include members of the 911th Steel Airmen family and community leaders.
“John comes with an incredible background, close to 7,000 hours in the C-17,” said Ogden. “I don’t think you’ll find too many people who know this airplane better.”
Ogden boasted about many of Robinson’s accomplishments, both as a pilot and a leader, and said that he will be a great asset to the 911th AW.
The conversion from the C-130 to the C-17 has progressed quickly, but there is still much work ahead to complete the mission expansion from tactical to strategic airlift capabilities.
“In order to grow, you’ve got to be uncomfortable,” said Robinson, speaking of the challenges ahead.
Mistakes will be made, he said, and failure is an inevitable part of life. But no matter what comes, the 911th AW and the Airmen that belong to the team will continue their journey.
“Failure is not fatal and success is not final,” Robinson said, referencing a famous quote as he recounted not only the achievements, but also the disappointments of his career. He encouraged others to persevere and not give up the fight, whatever their mission may be.