Gamecocks have final command change

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jack Sanders
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Lt. Col. David Graff, relinquished command of the 19th Fighter Squadron to Lt. Col. Greg Miller at the unit's final change of command ceremony here April 16.

Colonel Miller will be the fighter squadron's final commander until the historic unit is deactivated September this year.

F-15C Eagles from the squadron will be moved to different Air National Guard bases in the lower 48.

As the 19th FS flag changed hands for the final time the hanger full of honored guests, squadron members, maintainers, family, and close friends saluted the historic event.

Col. William Routt, 3rd Operations Group commander, addressed the crowd during the event.

"Everybody talks about how the United States Air Force is the greatest Air Force in the world," said Colonel Routt. "These Gamecocks have recently been named the world's greatest air superiority fighter squadron by winning the Raytheon Trophy, which ultimately means they're the greatest fighter squadron on the planet."

In closing his remarks, Colonel Routt spoke to the incoming and outgoing commanders saying, "Lt. Col. Graff and his trusted partner Jamee, you can't have this kind of success without a team like the two of you have truly been. In the 17 months the things you've accomplished are unequalled."

"To you Lt. Col. Miller, this is your day," said Colonel Routt. "There is absolutely no greater call than that to command. This is your day because command is not a right. You are not owed command, but you have indeed earned this command. I will not tell you you have an enormous challenge. I do not envy you for the challenge you have. As this phenomenal unit divests of its aspects lives are gonna be altered. Gamecock performance is going to be needed even further."

Since the squadron was first activated in 1921 as the 19th Pursuit Squadron, the 19th FS has established a tradition of honor and legacy of valor and as it closes the pages of its history book at Elmendorf, the squadron won't soon be forgotten.