Oklahoma reserve wing welcomes new commander

by Senior Airman Mark Hybers
507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

2/11/2014 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Col. Brian S. Davis assumed command of the 507th Air Refueling Wing here Feb. 8 with a ceremony presided over by Brig. Gen. John C. Flournoy Jr., 4th Air Force commander.

Davis served as the 459th Operations Group commander, Joint Base Andrews, Md. He assumes command of the largest Air Force Reserve Command flying unit in the state of Oklahoma, a job which Flournoy said Davis is more than capable of handling.

"Your incredible experience as a combat veteran, operations expert and team builder, leading warriors in associated units and experienced in three different weapons systems make you the perfect choice to lead the 507th Air Refueling Wing," Flournoy said during the ceremony. "I can't think of a more qualified officer, aviator and family man that I'd rather have taking the helm."

The general also said Davis brings an uncommon level of operational experience to the wing.

"You're very lucky to have that - we (the Air Force) are very lucky to have that, and lucky to have him here," the general said.

After the publishing of the order, Davis said, "I'm very excited for the opportunity to lead the men and women of the 507th. It's a humbling experience to stand in front of you as the commander - walking into a unit that is steeped in history and success."

Col. William Mason, 459th Air Refueling Wing commander, said Davis is a level-headed officer with a unique ability to balance mission completion with the needs of his people.

"His down to earth personality along with his vast experience made him a very successful Operations Group commander," Mason said. "These traits will serve him well as a wing commander."

Davis entered the Air Force after completing Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in April 1986. He entered pilot training at Reese AFB, Texas, earning his wings in April 1987. His first operational assignment was as a B-52G pilot in the 596th Bombardment Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

After his initial assignment Davis was selected as part of the initial cadre for the B-1B bomber in December 1989 and was assigned to Ellsworth AFB, S.D., as a member of the 77th Bomb Squadron. While stationed at Ellsworth, he served in various positions including Standardization/Evaluation and was selected as a member of the B-1B initial tactics development team.

In August 1993, Davis separated from active duty and began his career as a restaurant owner and airline pilot. In August 1995, he joined the Air Force Reserve as a KC-135R aircraft commander and in January 2001 accepted a position as an Air Reserve Technician with the 916th Air Refueling Wing. While at the 916th he was assigned to numerous positions - evaluator pilot, chief of current operations and mission development, chief pilot, director of operations and commander. He is a command pilot with more than 5500 flying hours in the KC-135R, B-1B, B-52G, T-38, and T-37.

"I like the phrase 'you can count on me,'" Davis said. "So if I stand up here as your wing commander and tell you that I am your ardent supporter, that I will work endless hours to make sure that you have all the tools that you need to be successful, that I will help you and your units to create a culture where you can thrive and become excellent -- you can count on me."