New Utah ANG commanders presented in triple change-of-command ceremony

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Lisa Olsen and Airman 1st Class Lillian Chatwin
  • 151 ARW/PA
SALT LAKE CITY --  The Utah Air National Guard conducted a triple change of command ceremony on base July 10.

During the ceremony, the Assistant Adjutant General of the Utah ANG, Brig. Gen. David M. Hooper who is formally retiring, relinquished command to Col. Wayne E. Lee.

The commander of the 151st Air Refueling Wing, Col. Kelvin G. Findlay who is moving to State Head Quarters to work as the Chief of Staff, relinquished command to Col. Samuel H. Ramsay III.

The commander of the 151 Mission Support Group, Col. Kenneth L. Gammon who is being promoted to the vice wing commander of the 151st ARW, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Jack M. Wall.

All personnel, base wide, stood in formation to observe the event as their new leaders were presented before them.

The new Assistant Adjutant General of the Utah ANG, Col. Wayne E. Lee, served in his prior role as Director of Joint Staff of the Utah ANG. In his 36 years of military service, Colonel Lee has also served as the Director of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), commander of two squadrons, and a Vietnam combat veteran. He assumes command of over 1,400 Airmen in the Utah ANG.

In his inaugural speech as Assistant Adjutant General, Colonel Lee advised the audience of Guardsmen, who were standing at parade rest, that there were a few things they needed to know about him.

"There are two key things I believe in," said Colonel Lee. "I believe in the rules and regulations, and that we should live by them. I also believe the Air Force core values [integrity, service before self, and excellence in all we do] are a great way to live our lives."
The new 151st ARW commander, Col. Samuel H. Ramsay III, ascended from his prior role of vice commander. Colonel Ramsey is a skilled pilot with over 5,000 flying hours on T-37 Tweets, B-52 Stratofortesses and KC-135 Stratotankers. He is an experienced command pilot, group commander, and flight commander. During his career he has supported Operations Desert Storm, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. In assuming responsibility as base commander, Colonel Ramsay oversees the operations and maintenance of the wing, and command of approximately 900 Air Guardsmen.

Colonel Ramsay reminded the listeners of the Guard's role and contributions in every American war.

"Each and every one of you plays a critical role in our success," said Colonel Ramsay in conclusion. "When our nation or state calls, rest assured, we, the Guard, will be there."

Lt. Col. Jack M. Wall assumes command of over 350 Airmen as the new 151st MSG commander, and is stepping out of his role as commander of the 151st Civil Engineering Squadron. Colonel Wall began his military career as an enlisted medic, and then commissioned to officer in 1992. During his 29 years of service, he served as commander of three different squadrons.