Photo By Staff Sgt. Thomas Johns | U.S. Air Force Col. Christian Cornette, 136th Airlift Wing commander, gives a speech...... read more read more
The 136th Airlift Wing welcomed Col. Chris Cornette and said farewell to Col. Matthew Groves during a change of command ceremony May 18, 2024, here.
The presiding officer, Brig. Gen. Andrew Camacho, Texas Military Department Deputy Adjutant General - Air, expressed his confidence and pride in the Airmen of the wing.
“To the Airmen of the 136th Airlift Wing, you have excelled in overcoming significant challenges over the past two years, and given the dynamic world that we live in, there will certainly be more to come," said Camacho. “You have simultaneously restored readiness across the wing, in the midst of unit conversion, mission realignment and a growing focus on solving tactical problems associated with Great Power Competition.”
Prior to the change of command, Camacho recognized the accomplishments of Groves and his leadership in generating multiple training and operational movements.
“Under Col. Groves’ leadership, the 136th Airlift Wing has built experience, expertise and knowledge for the future flight,” Camacho said. Our Texas tails have flown as far west as Thailand, as far east as Georgia (Tbilisi), as far north as Alaska, and as far south as Chile.”
As Camacho introduced Cornette, he spoke highly of his confidence in his command of the “Flagship Wing of the Texas Air National Guard”.
“Col. Cornette has served at multiple higher headquarters positions. He has commanded at the group and squadron level and flown both the KC-135 and C-17 aircraft in combat and combat support missions. I know he is eager to get in the seat of our new C-130J parked right outside,” said Camacho. “Thank you for accepting the responsibility of wing command. Thank you for caring for and leading these incredible Airmen.”
Cornette assumes command with extensive leadership experience and familiarity to Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth . He is a command pilot with over 2,400 flight hours in various aircraft, and a native of Fort Worth.
As Cornette took command, he expressed his pride in the 136 AW, and laid out his future goals for the wing and Airmen while explaining his leadership philosophy.
“Air Force Core Values guide everything we do, every moment, whether we’re in the uniform or out. These three core values, Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do, are bedrock to each person’s service while wearing this uniform,” said Cornette. “As your commander, I am not asking or suggesting that you adhere to these, but instead consider this my first command to each of you.”
During his speech, Cornette outlined his leadership philosophy in three major points. He reiterated that the Air Force Core Values are foundational and mandatory. He made clear that, as a commander, he owed Airmen clear standards and expectations so he could properly hold each member accountable. And he said each member owed him the effort to use all available tools to maintain and enhance their service.
“We in the uniformed service face challenges at home and abroad. But I firmly believe if we are successful in these three areas, the 136th Airlift Wing will be as displayed on our wing patch… Nulli Secundus -- Second to None,” said Cornette. “I am truly honored to be your commander.”
| Date Taken: | 05.19.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 05.23.2024 16:14 |
| Story ID: | 471671 |
| Location: | NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE FORT WORTH, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 50 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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