The 459 ARW holds change of command

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amber J. Russell
  • 459th Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Col. William H. Mason relinquished command of the 459th Air Refueling Wing, August 16, when Brigadier Gen. John C. Flournoy, 4th Air Force commander and presiding officer, passed the guide-on to Col. Thomas K. "TK" Smith, Jr., at the change of command ceremony held in Hangar 10, here.

The 459th Operations Group, 459th Maintenance Squadron and 459th Mission Support Group stood at attention in formation, while special guests arose to welcome the new commander hailing from the 507th Operations Group, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

Upon accepting command of the 459 ARW, Smith offered the new Airmen under his leadership what he said he found to be a valuable acronym they could apply in their Reserve and personal professional lives; T.E.A.M.W.O.R.K.

Training - Do what it takes to master your profession. The Air Force relies on you.

Empowerment - Feel empowered to make change and create efficiencies.

Airmen - The greatest assets we have are our warrior Airmen. Each Airman is valuable.

Mentor - Chiefs, supervisors and commanders - help your people to dream and think about the future.

Willingness - Willingness to adapt to change or processes to meet the Air Force's requirements.

Opportunity - Capitalize on opportunities to volunteer.

Resiliency - Focus on the four pillars: Mental, Physical, Financial and Spiritual.

Knowledge - Go back to school. Invest in yourself; get a degree. Read your PME and a book a month.

"Teamwork is the foundation that allows us to adapt," Smith stated. "We have a lot changing in our country, the world and in the Air Force. We are faced with many challenges. Tight budgets and increasing requirements are common themes. I'm going to ask you to continue to do your best to manage the challenges and incorporate change into your professions."

Mason, the previous wing commander was here from July 2012 to June 2014. He has taken a position at the Pentagon.

During the event, Flournoy presented Mason with the Legion of Merit Award for his superior leadership and dedication to the Airman under his charge.

After the presentation, Mason gave his final command to the Airmen; he placed them at ease and spoke to them "from the heart."

"It would be easy to stand here and talk about all the accomplishments of the last couple of years," Mason said. "I don't wish to take credit for what you've done; all I've done is steered you in the direction I felt you needed to go. You are some of the most professional and incredible people that I have ever known."

In addition, Flournoy, Smith and Mason, said they sincerely appreciate Col. Scheid P. Hodges, 459 ARW vice commander, for stepping up and assuming the responsibility of commander in the interim of Mason's departure and Smith's arrival.

"To the warriors of the 459th Air Refueling Wing, I want to thank each and every one of you for your tireless efforts and the incredible sacrifice you make for your service," Flournoy stated. "Thank you for answering your nations call."