JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing is under new management after a change of command ceremony at the Historic Hickam Officer’s Club.
Col. Casey Eaton officially handed over the reins to Col. Scott Zippwald in the June 2 ceremony.
During the ceremony, Eaton was presented the Legion of Merit for his outstanding service and accomplishments as commander of the 515th AMOW. Eaton expressed his gratitude to leadership of the 15th Wing, Joint Base and 154th Wing for being great partners, wingmen and shipmates.
He also thanked residing officer Maj. Gen. Frederick Martin, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, for the “tremendous” opportunity to lead “the best group of Airmen in the Air Force.”
“During my tenure here I can proudly say that I witnessed the men and the women of the 515th absolutely execute rapid mobility within the Pacific, ‘Safely, by the book …and then on time,’” he said. “No one provides operation agility more than the 515th AMOW. Nothing in this AOR flows by air without this team touching it and that is extraordinary.”
After admitting to not quite understanding rapid global mobility early in his career, Eaton now fully understands the importance of the 515th AMOW’s mission.
“Because of what this wing does, our national leaders have choices,” he said. “They can move almost anything, almost anywhere, at almost any time. “Whether those are in instances of war, or in instances of humanitarian relief, no one else on this planet can do what our Air Force can do, thanks to this wing. Every single Airman in this wing should be proud of their accomplishments, but even more of the incredible purpose that they serve in supporting our national security enterprise.”
Eaton said he was both humbled and grateful to have served as the unit's commander and now hand the wing over to incoming commander Zippwald.
As commander, Zippwald will oversee the wing, which is comprised of two Air Mobility Operations Groups, six Air Mobility Squadrons, three Detachments, six Operating Locations, and five Air Terminal Ground Handling Service contracts, while also providing assistance to terminals operated by other Services. In total, the 515th AMOW is responsible for nearly 1,600 geographically-separated personnel across nine Pacific time zones and an annual budget of more than $50 million.
The 515th AMOW also serves as the forward air mobility liaison to United States Pacific Command, Pacific Air Forces, United States Forces-Korea, United States Forces-Japan, and Alaska Command for theater air mobility
operations and capabilities.
Zippwald accepted command of the unit thanking Martin for the huge responsibility, promising to give his complete focus and ability.
“To the 515th team … you should be proud of your outstanding reputation here in the Pacific,” he said. “Your reputation of excellence and reliability forged on your hard work and dedication … your service, your mission set, your expertise matters and is critical to that air power America depends on. I will push you to up your game and to reach our collective potential and deliver what America expects and demands—the very best. I look forward to being part of this team’s legacy and continuing the wing’s tradition of excellence and service to the nation, ensuring we deliver rapid global mobility throughout the Pacific.”
The new commander also spoke candidly with his new Airmen during the ceremony.
“Day in and day out our enlisted leaders make this mission happen,” he said. “As demand for our capability continues to grow, now more than ever, we need your ideas, your input, and your bold leadership. Standing alongside that team is our civilian force. Your experience, expertise and continuity keeps this wing strong and provides a critical role in our unique capability. You, too, are key to the wing’s readiness and ongoing operations, and we fully appreciate all that you bring to the fight. Tying together our force is our long standing partnerships in this theater. From right here at JBPHH to Alaska to the Far East to Diego Garcia to all points in between, I look forward to furthering and continuing our outstanding cooperation, trust and synergy.”