Col. Allman assumes command of the 459th ARW

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Steve Lewis
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Col. James M. Allman, assumed leadership of the 459th Air Refueling Wing during a change of command ceremony here June 13. Colonel Allman replaces Col. William T. Cahoon, who is now the commander of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana.

Presiding over the ceremony was Fourth Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Eric W. Crabtree, who gave a speech to a hangar filled with guests and 459th ARW Airmen.

"An advantage Colonel Allman has stepping into this position is already knowing the wing' s issues having been a traditional reservist," said General Crabtree. "It'll be beneficial for the unit."

General Crabtree also said the challenges Colonel Allman and the wing now faces is balancing civilian and Reserve careers with supporting the war effort and maintaining readiness. 

Being "Combat Ready" is part of the wing' s new strategic plan, which Colonel Allman spoke to the audience about during the ceremony as the new commander.  

"The vision moving forward has three simple rules: establish and maintain an experienced workforce, maintain Air Force training standards, and establish leadership development. The final outcome for you is to be combat ready," he said.

Most recently, Colonel Allman was vice wing commander of the 459th ARW here. He originally attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., where he earned his commission and received a science degree in chemistry. After serving on active duty with the Navy as a flight officer and naval aviator, he joined the Air Force Reserve.

With over 12 years in the Air Force Reserve, Colonel Allman has logged more than 7,000 flying hours including combat and combat support hours. Many of these hours were in the KC-135R Stratotanker.

As he leads the wing in facing challenges and maintaining combat readiness, Colonel Allman said each team member should work together on bringing the 459th ARW where it needs to be.

"I see value in every Airmen here, from the E-6s, to the civilians, to the 0-6s. Everyone brings something to the organization and that needs to be leveraged and utilized moving forward," said Colonel Allman.