ROLAND R. WRIGHT ANG BASE, Utah -- The 151st Wing welcomed its new commander, Col. Jeffrey “Padre” Gould, during a formal change of command ceremony held on 02 November at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base. Col. Doug “Masters” Foster, who assumed command of the Wing in 2022, formally relinquished authority as part of one of the Air Force’s oldest and most enduring military traditions.
The ceremony was presided over by Brig. Gen. Chris Buckner, Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Utah National Guard, praised both leaders for their steadfast commitment to the Airmen and mission of the Utah Air National Guard.
“The 151st Wing continues to deliver unmatched capability for our state and our nation,” Buckner said. “Transitions in leadership mark new chapters, but they also reaffirm our confidence in the people who stand ready to meet any challenge. Col. Foster has led with integrity, vision, and excellence, and Col. Gould is the right leader to continue driving this Wing forward.”
During his final address to the Airmen of the Wing, Foster reflected on the achievements of the 151st during his tenure, including expanded deployment commitments across multiple combatant commands. These advancements in mission readiness, modernization initiatives, and large-scale joint training exercises strengthened regional and global partnerships.
“Over the past two years, this Wing has faced an unending series of local, national, and global challenges, and every single time, you proved what I’ve always known: there is nothing you cannot do,” Foster said. “It has been the honor of my life to serve as the first commander of this newly designated Wing, to help each of you reach your full potential, and to witness your dedication through deployments, inspections, exercises, and every mission asked of you. As I pass the guidon, know this remains true: it’s not a competition, but you are winning.”
In his first address as commander, Gould emphasized service, teamwork, and continued readiness amid rising global competition.
“I am truly humbled to lead this Wing, an organization that consistently rises to meet challenges with excellence and grit,” Gould said. “The men and women of the 151st have built capabilities that shape the future of the KC-135 community, strengthen national defense, and protect our allies. As we look ahead, my charge is simple: prepare yourselves, prepare your families, and be ready to execute your combat mission under conditions we have never seen before. Together, we will build a combat-ready Wing that deters our adversaries, assures our partners, and ensures every one of our Airmen returns home safely.”
Gould, who previously served as the commander of the 151st Operations Group, brings a distinguished background as a KC-135 pilot, Weapons Officer, former USAF Weapons School instructor, and former KC-135 Test Director for the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Test Center.
As the 151st Wing moves toward its 80th anniversary in 2026, the change of command marks both continuity and renewal, honoring the Wing’s storied history while charting a path for future success.
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