Historic ending, new beginnings: Team Seymour welcomes new 4th FW commander

by Staff Sgt. Michael Charles
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/2/2014 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Colonel Jeannie Leavitt relinquished command of the 4th Fighter Wing to Col. Mark Slocum during a change of command ceremony here, June 2, 2014.

Maj. Gen. H.D. Polumbo, Jr., Ninth Air Force commander, presided over the traditional military ceremony. The exchange of the unit's guidon during a change of command symbolizes transfer of authority between commanders. More than 600 Airmen and community leaders attended the ceremony marking the end of the historic tenure of Leavitt as the first female Air Force, active-duty fighter wing commander.

"The 4th Fighter Wing consistently performed at the highest levels despite the potential challenges presented before it due to the dedication of its Airmen and the leadership of Colonel Leavitt," Polumbo said. "Her commitment to the excellence of such an important wing is a testament to the strength of our military's commanders and those that they lead."

Leavitt expressed her heartfelt pride to having served as the commander of the 4th FW and leading such an exceptional group of Airmen.

"There is no finer and more dedicated group than those of you who have served alongside me here at the 4th Fighter Wing," Leavitt said. "Over the past two years, you have given me nothing but the best. You have made it an absolute pleasure to walk through those headquarter's doors as your commander."

For her dedicated service to the wing, Leavitt was presented with the Legion of Merit award. Leavitt is leaving the 4th FW to become the Principal Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon.

Following the passing of the guidon, Slocum addressed attendees for the first time as the commander.

"I'm humbled to join a wing with such a historical background and important mission capability," he said. "It's truly an honor to serve you here today. I can't wait to work with you all and to continue providing the tools for this wing to excel."

Slocum comes to Seymour Johnson AFB from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, where he served as the 48th Operations Group commander.

Slocum acknowledged the strong bond between Seymour Johnson and the surrounding communities and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening that relationship.

"Seymour Johnson is engrained into the community of Goldsboro," he said. "Without the mutual cooperation and support we provide to each other there is no way we could have built such a strong partnership. Together we are Team Seymour."

Following the change of command, Slocum joined members of Team Seymour in the renaming ceremony for the flagship F-15E Strike Eagle. The aircraft, dubbed the "Spirit of Goldsboro," is assigned to the commander of the 4th FW and is renamed following each change of command.