Six Changes of Command Usher in New Wave of Leadership for Utah Air Guard

  • Published
  • By SSgt Annie Edwards
  • 151 ARW/PA
SALT LAKE CITY - UTAH --  The 151st Air Refueling Wing welcomed a wave of new leadership during six change of command ceremonies at the Utah Air National Guard Base here on Feb. 9.

The 151st Logistics Readiness Squadron, 151st Civil Engineering Squadron, 169th Intelligence Squadron, 151st Maintenance Squadron, 151st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 101st Information Operations Flight all received new leadership.

"We have had a lot of great leaders from the past who have passed the torch and now the new leaders coming in are going to take us into a great future," said Col. Darwin Craig, commander of the 151st ARW.

Col. Susan Melton relinquished command of the 151st LRS to Maj. Christina Lock. Melton expressed gratitude for the hard work and effort put forth by the squadron members during her command. The unit provides supplies, equipment, fuel, transportation, vehicle maintenance, and readiness and logistical support to the 151st Air Refueling Wing and its associate units.

"It is an honor to be your next commander," said Lock. "I am excited to lead one of the best squadrons into the future. I will strive for excellence and expect the same from each of you, which I know you will all do."

In a separate ceremony, the command of the 151st CES was passed from Lt. Col. Chris Buckner to Lt. Col. Paul Waite. The squadron repairs and maintains the facilities on base, and provides explosive ordinance disposal, firefighting and emergency management services.

Brig. Gen. Kenneth Gammon praised the members of the 151st CES and expressed pride in the unit's behind-the-scenes accomplishments. "You just quietly do your jobs, get the work done and go about your business."

After assuming command of the 169th IS, which is responsible for ground intelligence activities, Lt. Col. Troy Drennan acknowledged the efforts and accomplishments of the unit's former commander Lt. Col. Jonathan Boyd. "We are going to continue to be the best in the Air Force. Thank you for setting us up for success."

The 151st Maintenance Group witnessed two changes in leadership as well. Lt. Col. Matthew Bolduc relinquished command of the 151st MXS to Lt. Col. Robert B. Taylor. The squadron provides maintenance to support the KC-135R Stratotankers.

Immediately following the 151st MXS change of command, Maj. Kenneth B. Larsen assumed command of the 151st AMS, which is responsible for performing maintenance on aircraft and manages their launch and recovery.

Lt. Col. Kevin Nuccitelli relinquished command of the 101st IOS to Lt. Col. Matt Ence. The squadron works to anticipate and analyze threats in the information environment, and also provides information operations.