Wing welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The 62nd Airlift Wing welcomed its new commander in a change-of-command ceremony Wednesday in Hangar 4. 

Col. Jeffrey Stephenson took command of the wing as Col. Jerry Martinez heads off to be the executive officer for Gen. Arthur Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. 

The ceremony's presiding officer, Maj. Gen. James Hawkins, 18th Air Force commander, recognized the wing for its recent outstanding accomplishments before handing over command to Colonel Stephenson. 

The 62nd AW airlifted nearly 150,000 tons of cargo, successfully flew 57 Operation Deep Freeze missions, executed a historic airdrop at the South Pole and hosted one of the "largest and best" Rodeo competitions ever in June under Colonel Martinez's leadership, the general said. 

"We thank you for the way you have led these Airmen," General Hawkins said to Colonel Martinez, who was also awarded a Legion of Merit at the ceremony. 

After his remarks, General Hawkins accepted the command flag from Colonel Martinez and passed it to Colonel Stephenson to complete the official change of command. 

Colonel Stephenson comes to McChord from the 15th Airlift Wing at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, where he served as the vice wing commander, and said he is excited about upholding the high standard of the 62nd AW. 

"I look forward to meeting each and every one of you," Colonel Stephenson said to the many Airmen seated in the bleachers and standing at attention in the rear of the hangar, "because [the wing] is a partnership." 

He added that he is excited about tackling any challenges the wing will face in the future. 

Colonel Stephenson has led at several levels. He served as the commander of the 55th
Air Refueling Squadron and deputy commander of the 97th Operations Group at Altus AFB, Okla., as well as commander of the 22nd Operations Group at McConnell AFB, Kan. He has three master's degrees and has attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. 

Colonel Stephenson was also awarded an Airman's Medal in 2000 for pulling a pilot from a burning airplane after it crashed following initial takeoff. 

"This is a man with a lot of courage," General Hawkins said.