Photo Caption: In a Change of Command ceremony, Maj. Gen. Eugene R. Chojnacki (left), Commander, New Jersey Air National Guard, passes the 177th Fighter Wing's Colors to Col. Randall S. King (center), the incoming Commander of the 177th located at Egg Harbor Township while outgoing Commander Col. Brian L. Webster (right) watches.  The ceremony was held on Feb. 5 at the Wing.

      Prior to assuming command of the 177th, Col. King served as the wing's Vice Commander.

      In his comments to the more than 600 honored guests and 177th Wing members, Col. King spoke about the Wing's future under his leadership: “As for my vision for our wing, it's simply to be the unsurpassed leader in air sovereignty/air defense in North America while providing superior expeditionary Airmen to support the successful prosecution of the Global War on Terrorism.  It is my goal to provide you with focused leadership so that you – our exceptional Citizen Airmen – can continue your outstanding service to our communities, state, and nation.   Whether it is on a national scale involving contingency operations half way around the world, or rebuilding the hopes and dreams of American's devastated by natural disaster, you have always proven to be up to the challenge – the future will be no different. Regardless of the mission, your collective efforts have enabled the 177th Fighter Wing to do great things.  I am certain that together we can make this organization stand out above all others in the future.”

      Also in attendance at the ceremony were Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo, 2nd District New Jersey; Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey; Maj. Gen. Francis R. Gerard, former Adjutant General of New Jersey; Brig. Gen. Maria Falca-Dodson, the Deputy Adjutant General and Brig. Gen. Frank Carlini, New Jersey Army National Guard.