Airmen welcome commander back to JBLM

  • Published
  • By Alexandra Kocik
  • Northwest Guardian
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  A warm overcast day set the stage for the 627th Air Base Group change of command Aug. 13. Joint Base Lewis-McChord Deputy Commander Col. Anthony J. Davit handed over the duel command of the 627th ABG and JBLM deputy commander to Col. Will H. Phillips III, on the parade ground on McChord Field.

As one of the final in a long string of change of commands this summer, it was more like a welcome home party for the Phillips family. He was a flight commander at the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron at McChord Field from 1999 to 2001. He became an executive officer for the 62nd Operations Group from 2001 to 2002. And from 2008 to 2010, he served as the commander of the 62nd APS.

"This installation holds a special feeling and place in my heart," Phillips said. "My child was born here, and its my first place I had a command (62nd Aerial Port Squadron). It is truly an honor to not only command the 627th Air Base Group but also to return to JBLM. This is definitely a dream come true."

The 627th ABG presented Phillips' wife, Tanya, with a bouquet of roses, and his two sons, Warren and Will, received coins to welcome them to the team. Phillips thanked his wife and two sons for their patience, understanding and sacrifices for his military career.

Phillips comes to JBLM from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, serving as the director of logistics, Seventh Air Force and assistant chief of staff, logistics, Air Component Command.

"To the men and women of the 627th Air Base Group, as your commander I promise you, I will give you my best," he said. "I will expect the same from you as well. Over the next couple years, we will experience numerous challenges."

He said these obstacles, including nuclear assurance inspections, a new enlisted evaluation system and a smaller Air Force, must be overcome to meet the needs of service members and their families.

Major General Frederick H. Martin, a former vice wing commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing from 2003 to 2005, who is now the commander at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, headquartered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., oversaw the change of command. He congratulated Phillips on his many accomplishments, including attaining a master's of science degree in strategic studies from the Air War College, Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

"That mission focus, that people focus will help Phillips retain the high level of service that Davit instilled here," he said. "With his academic background, command background and leadership background, we know you are well equipped to take this job."

Phillips said he is honored that Martin trusted this position to him and looks forward to carrying on the standards left behind. Phillips thanked Davit for keeping him updated on changes in the organization since accepting the job in December.

Under Davit's two-year command, the 627th ABG and JBLM received numerous awards, including a bronze and silver awards in the 2015 Army Communities of Excellence Award program, 100 percent scores for the passage of nuclear inspections and being highlighted as one of the best installations in the military.

Davit will move onto become the director of readiness at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. He said he has no doubt the Airmen of 627th ABG will meet any oncoming challenges.

"Will, as you heard, you are taking over a great team, and you will continue to take the 627th and JBLM to new heights," Davit said. "You are definitely the right guy for the job."

Davit then asked his unit to give a final "A-B-G" in response to his command of "Proud to be."