Photo By Master Sgt. Morgan Whitehouse | U.S. Air Force Sheldon B. Wilson, incoming commander, 165th Airlift Wing (AW), Georgia...... read more read more
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U.S. Air Force Col. Sheldon B. Wilson assumed command of the 165th Airlift Wing from Col. Robert S. Noren in a time-honored change of command ceremony June 11, 2023, at the Savannah Air National Guard Base in Savannah, Georgia.
Wilson, a C-130 Hercules pilot with more than 4,500 flight hours has served in the Georgia Air National Guard for more than 20-years. He has held several leadership positions including the 158th Airlift Squadron commander, the 165th Operations Group commander and most recently, the vice commander of the 116th Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.
“As we move forward into this next chapter we need to remember those who have paved the way before us,” said Wilson “Our unit is grounded in over 75-years of supporting our nation and the state of Georgia.”
Wilson explained that all his previous accomplishments and responsibilities leading up to this would not have happened without hard work and dedication to achieving his goal of one day becoming the wing commander.
“Growing up, I was raised to do my best and to work very hard,” said Wilson. “It wasn't until becoming the 165th Operations Group commander that I realized the possibility of one day becoming a wing commander, I’m very humbled and honored. This position allows me the opportunity to serve the Airmen that make up the 165th Airlift Wing, and I want to see our wing grow and harvest the talents of our Airmen.”
During the change of command ceremony, Wilson addressed the Airmen of the 165th Airlift Wing to highlight his vision and priorities going into his new role as commander.
“I am here to serve you,” said Wilson. “I want to ensure you have the resources you need to successfully fulfill your mission, initiate new innovations, and to develop the leaders of tomorrow.”
Going forward into his new position, Wilson said he will continue to keep the Airmen, mission and communication as top priorities.
“I want to see our Airmen develop and grow,” said Wilson. “We should strive to have unmatched performance, not only in the Air National Guard, but in the entire Department of Defense.”
“When it comes to the mission of our wing, we need to continue to remain relevant and exceed expectations on all levels,” said Wilson. “And lastly: communication, this is one of the most challenging aspects of leading, so my goal is to ensure there is transparency from my level down and that we focus on communicating effectively up and down the chain across the wing."
Wilson’s ascension to wing commander marks a personal accomplishment, but also a historical milestone for the 165th Airlift Wing as he is the first Black wing commander in its 77-year history.
“I couldn't think of a better person to take this unit into the future than Col. Wilson,” said Maj. Gen. Konata Crumbly, assistant adjutant general-Air, Georgia National Guard. “He has a resolve to get things done and that is the type of leader that you all deserve and the type of leader that we are going to ensure that you will get because the future holds many challenges but also has many opportunities for you all.”
| Date Taken: | 06.11.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2023 15:39 |
| Story ID: | 446704 |
| Location: | SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 315 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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