The 177th Fighter Wing held a Change of Command ceremony on Feb. 5. At the ceremony Col. Randall S. King assumed command from Col. Brian L. Webster.

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 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."

		From Snow to Sand Senior Airman Nicholas Cobian (second from left) and Master Sgt. Laverne Frazer (right), part of a 50-member advance party from the 177th Fighter Wing, board an aircraft for Iraq as part of an Air Expeditionary Force. Photo courtesy 177FW.

		Firefighters Stand (Kneel) Ready Firefighters from the 177th Fighter Wing (L-r) Senior Airmen Matthew C. Loughlin, Andrew M. Gerdeman, Wayne R. White II; Staff Sgt. Rex L. Rostron and Senior Airman Robert J. McCarty II pose for a photo while deployed in Iraq.