Martin assumes command of 60th Air Mobility Wing

by Nick DeCicco
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

7/19/2013 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- Col. Corey Martin assumed command of the 60th Air Mobility Wing from Col. Dwight Sones during the wing's change of command ceremony Monday in Hangar P14 at Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

Martin takes leadership of the largest wing in Air Mobility Command in terms of personnel, arriving from Manas Transit Center in the Kyrgyz Republic where he was commander of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing.

"I'm proud to call the beautiful view outside the hangar home," he said, addressing Airmen, officers and community leaders for the first time.

Martin, who received his commission upon graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1991, mentioned that during his more than 20 years in the service, he's continually heard about Travis' excellence.

"Your reputation around the world is rock solid," Martin said. "I am honored to be a part of that story."

Martin also has served as a C-141 Starlifter and C-17 Globemaster III examiner airdrop aircraft commander, chief of wing safety, squadron commander, and in various staff assignments at the major command and combatant command level. He also flew missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and served as a deployed squadron commander during Iraqi Freedom.

Martin is the second consecutive base commander to come to Travis from Manas, following Sones.

Lt. Gen. Darren McDew, 18th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony. After praising Sones' accomplishments, including leading the wing in Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, the redeployment of troops and cargo from Iraq at the end of Operation New Dawn, $275 million in facility improvements, and unparalleled fuel efficiency standards, McDew said he has no doubt Martin will continue to ensure the wing's success.

"Under Dwight's leadership, this team has truly embodied excellence and earned a great reputation," McDew said. "Colonel Martin is the ideal choice to lead this wing and its critically important worldwide mission."

He called Martin "another great Airman who comes well-qualified to take the wing to new heights."

In his outgoing address, Sones thanked the base's Airmen and the community, highlighting the achievements of several service members and civilian employees.

"It's Airmen like you who make me stand taller," Sones told the crowd.

Sones was awarded the Legion of Merit for his efforts at Travis. He departs Travis for the Pentagon, to become chief of global mobility requirements at the air staff.