Photo By Tech. Sgt. Luther Mitchell | Col. Douglas Jackson assumes command of the 621st Contingency Response Wing during an...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --The 621st Contingency Response Wing welcomed their new wing commander, Col. Douglas Jackson, in an assumption of command ceremony here May 30.
Maj. Gen. John Gordy, the commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, the Air Force Expeditionary Center of Excellence for Rapid Global Mobility and expeditionary Agile Combat Support training and education, presided over the ceremony.
Gordy began the ceremony by thanking the crowd in attendance, which included base and community leadership from both here and Travis Air Force Base, Calif.
“What a great day to be here with the men and women of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and the 621st CRW, as we welcome a new command team to the base,” Gordy said. “I’m truly honored and humbled to preside over this ceremony today, and to place the incredible privilege
and responsibility of command in the hands of a top notch seasoned mobility Airman.”
Gordy thanked Hall, 621st CRW vice commander, who stood in command of the official formation.
“Col. Hall, and Chief Jenkins, thank you for your leadership of the 621st CRW,” he said.“I rest easy knowing that your steadfast support to the families and the Airmen of the 621st is the backbone of our ability to accomplish the mission.”
The 621st CRW is a geographically separated wing made up of approximately 1,500 Airmen with a unique mission to build partnerships, strengthen the joint force, and mobilize the fight anytime, anywhere in the world.
Airmen from the CRW have completed 135 missions, consisting of 27 exercises, 108 real-world missions, 11 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in Syria, Kuwait, and Qatar, and five missions in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel in Afghanistan since March 2018.
Gordy praised Jackson as the right choice to lead the wing and charged him for the challenges he will meet ahead.
“You are receiving a new commander today who is exactly the right leader to guide you into the future, as you adapt to this ever changing environment. There is no clearer choice,” Gordy said. “To you, Doug, and the men and women of the 621st, prepare for the changes that we know are coming and embrace the challenge as it sits before you. There is much to be done.”
After officially assuming command, Jackson began a brief speech.
“I offer special thanks to Gen. Gordy, Gen. Knight, Chief Berg and the Expeditionary Center, and the Air Mobility Command teams and families,” said Jackson. “I’m excited to command again in this vibrant organization. I will not let you down.”
Jackson made it clear that he is not here to dictate, but work together as a team.
“I am here first to understand our mission and our challenges, not to be personally understood,” Jackson said. “I joined this team to learn and listen alongside you, not to dictate and to manage. My wife Carrie and I resolve to serve the Airmen and families of this organization.”
Jackson ended his speech with his vision for the future ahead.
“Together, buoyed by a commitment to our core values, our wing will improve, innovate and enhance our readiness,” Jackson said. “Our nation demands, and the Airmen of our wing will accept nothing less. I look forward to evolving our wing alongside each of you, and I am ready to
begin right now.”
Jackson graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. His staff assignments include service as a Strategic Communication Fellow at the Air Force headquarters and as a Joint Operations Officer on the
Joint Staff at the Pentagon.
He is accompanied by his wife, Carrie and their two children.
| Date Taken: | 05.30.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 05.30.2019 18:04 |
| Story ID: | 324645 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NEW JERSEY, US |
| Web Views: | 182 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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