Col. Leonard Kosinski takes command of the 62nd Airlift Wing

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Airmen and Soldiers, civic leaders and honorary commanders, family members and friends all of Joint Base Lewis-McChord welcomed the new commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing, Col. Leonard Kosinski, during a change of command ceremony, June 26.

"The focus of this ceremony is on the 62nd Airlift Wing and on acknowledging and celebrating the accomplishments of the incredible Airmen assigned here," said Kosinski during his acceptance speech. "I am reminded that command is a privilege, an honor, a serious responsibility and also a tremendous opportunity for good.

"Good for our people, good for our mission, for our families and good for our community and I look forward to serving with you."

As the new commander of the 62nd AW, Kosinski will ensure the readiness of more than 2,400 active duty military and civilian personnel, along with 48 permanently assigned C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, to support worldwide combat and humanitarian airlift and airdrop operations.

Additionally, the colonel serves as the U.S. Air Force Senior Service Component Commander at JBLM representing the interests of approximately 7,000 Total Force Airmen to the Joint Base Partnership Council and the surrounding community in the Pacific Northwest.

He was commissioned upon graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in operations research. He served in operational assignments as a combat pilot with more than 3,100 combined flight hours in the KC-135, C-5 and C-17 aircraft, is an Olmsted Scholar and is a distinguished graduate of the Defense Language Institute.

Col. Kosinski has also served in major U.S. Air Force operations including Operation Southern Watch, Operation Allied Force, Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and Operation United Relief.

He commanded the Heavy Airlift Squadron at Pápa Air Base, Hungary, where he helped stand up a 12-nation Strategic Airlift Capability C-17 consortium in order to provide worldwide C-17 airlift and airdrop capabilities in support of the European Union, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, United Nations and other international requirements.

He is the recipient of the Legion of Merit Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters and Air Medal with oak leaf cluster.

"Today we acknowledge the official transfer of responsibility between two great leaders," said Lt. Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, 18th Air Force commander. "This responsibility is not to be taken lightly as command is a privilege and a sacred trust that demands great commitment and great character.

"Both commanders [Kumashiro and Kosinski] have led and persuaded through the examples they have set. Their character is rooted in the core values of integrity, service and excellence and is reflected in the accomplishments of their Airmen.

"Col. Kosinski understands what this wing is capable of. He will be your strongest advocate because he knows the enormous effort it takes to execute the global mission. He is taking command of an outstanding team and he will have my full support and confidence."