Seventh Air Force welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Candy Knight
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Seventh Air Force personnel welcomed their 31st commander during a change-of-command ceremony here Nov. 24, when Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Remington assumed command from Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood.

The ceremony was presided over by Gen. Walter Sharp, U.S. Forces Korea commander, and Gen. Carrol H. (Howie) Chandler, Pacific Air Forces commander.

In addition to commanding the 7th Air Force, General Remington also serves as the United Nations Command deputy commander, USFK deputy commander and Air Component Command commander.

During the ceremony, General Remington thanked General Sharp and Chandler for the opportunity to lead the men and women of the 7th Air Force.

"[My family and I] are excited to be here and are glad to be a part of this great team, as well as continuing to build on our relationships with our friends and hosts from the Republic of Korea."

General Remington then addressed the men and women of the 7th Air Force, stating he expects the organization to maintain the highest standards shown under General Wood.

"Our goals are simple," he said. "We will provide war fighting forces that support the goals and mission of the Combined Forces Command. These forces will provide reliable, precise and overwhelming fire power to protect the Korean peninsula ... ready to fight and win tonight!"

The general also said he plans to work hard to ensure 7th Air Force remains a good neighbor to the Korean people and keep a strong alliance with the Korean military to remain a strong deterrent.

"We will continue to strengthen the alliance and support our hosts by promoting regional stability while continuing to refine our path toward the transfer of operational control," he said. "This historic transformation will strengthen our alliance with the Republic of Korea and demonstrate to the world the capabilities and trust between our two great democracies."

During his speech, General Wood thanked the men and women for their dedication and hard work they showed throughout his time as commander.

"I am deeply honored to have commanded the Air Component Command and the 7th Air Force," he said. "I'm amazed by the commitment of the men and women of the Air Component Command and the 7th Air Force. I salute you."

General Wood reminded the audience to remember that 7th Air Force is not just about the equipment, but the mission and the people who support it.

"I ask that you continue to uphold standards and show the same drive and dedication under General Remington," he said.