151 ARW gains new leadership

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emily Hulse
  • 151 ARW/PA
Salt Lake City --  The 151st Air Refueling Wing witnessed the passing of two leadership positions during a Change of Command ceremony January 11. Col. Samuel H. Ramsay III passed the command of the 151st ARW to Col. Darwin L. Craig, and Chief Master Sgt. Barry L. Vance took his position as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 151st ARW.

Both the change of command and the transfer of responsibility ceremonies are rooted in military tradition, allowing troops the opportunity to see the transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability within their units.

Ramsay recalled the visit by Gen. Johns in 2012, and said that it was one of the proudest moments during his tenure as commander.

"I realized then the true depth of commitment and sense of service you all bring to the defense of our nation," he said.

After officially receiving the command, Craig committed to Air Guardsmen to ensure the success of the state and national missions, and the Utah National Guard.

"I am committed to the success of our warfighting mission that consists of meeting and exceeding Air Mobility Command's core competencies of air refueling, airlift, and aeromedical evacuation," said Craig. "I am also equally committed to the continued success of our other Utah National Guard missions supporting joint operations in the areas of intelligence support, informational operations, planning, air control, and communications infrastructure."

Additionally, a Transfer of Responsibility ceremony was held for Guardsmen to see Vance's official acceptance of the position of Command Chief for the 151st ARW.

"Thank you to Col. Craig for the opportunity to serve, and I look forward to serving with you all," said Vance.

In concluding his address to the Airmen assembled at the ceremony, Ramsay thanked them for their service, and for the opportunity to serve alongside them.

"I thank each of you for the honor and the privilege that it has been to stand shoulder to shoulder with you for the past three and a half years, and to be able to represent you as your commander," he said. "I will always be proud of your accomplishments and my association with you."