93d AGOW CV steps up to command

by Airman 1st Class Ryan Callaghan
23d Wing Public Affairs

7/24/2014 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Locke assumed command of the 93d Air Ground Operations Wing from Col. Samuel Milam during a change of command ceremony July 23 at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

Locke stepped into his new assignment after a one-year period as the wing's vice commander, making him no stranger to the wing's mission and battlefield Airmen.

Maj. Gen. H.D. Polumbo Jr., Ninth Air Force commander, served as the presiding officer for the traditional change of command and welcomed Locke to command.

"[Col.] Locke is not new to the AGOW, having been the vice commander here for a year and a flight commander at the 18th Air Support Operations Group," he said. "He truly knows and understands the mission and brings the leadership style that I think will continue to help you all be successful. He has an impressive track record of success, and these qualities will be essential to leading the wing to new heights.

"He's an exceptional pilot and an exceptional battlefield Airman," Polumbo added. "We look forward to the success of this unit under [his] stewardship."

Milam agreed with Polumbo. "I couldn't craft a better successor with clay and magical powers," he said.

During his first speech as the commander, Locke said he is excited to continue to work with the 93d AGOW and the 23d Wing.

"The AGOW mission is my passion, and I really look forward to serving with these battlefield Airmen for as long as I can," he said. "The AGOW and the Flying Tigers fit together really well and I look forward to carrying on that tradition."

Locke also took the opportunity to speak to some of the 2,800 Airmen who fall into one of the 93d AGOW's three groups.

"Your service on the front lines speaks volumes for your patriotism," he said. "Together I look forward to building on that legacy of patriotism, professionalism and valor. It is said that the American way of war is airpower, and you are the embodiment of that fact. Whether seizing and securing a forward airfield, providing accurate battlefield weather to army pilots before a combat mission, or guiding a precision ordnance onto enemy targets. Your dusty boots and heavy rucksacks bring American airpower to the battlefield."

Before officially relinquishing command, Milam reminded the audience to remember his two rules: "Don't ever be afraid to be awesome, and when in doubt, attack."

Milam will move to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to serve as the Air Education and Training Command inspector general