100th ARW changes command

by By Senior Airman Christine Halan
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

5/29/2015 - RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Col. Thomas D. Torkelson, accepted command of the 100th Air Refueling Wing from Col. Kenneth T. Bibb, Jr., May 29, 2015, on RAF Mildenhall, England.

The handing off of the 100th ARW guidon symbolizes the relinquish of command, passed from Bibb to Torkleson.

The presiding officer, Lt. Gen. Darryl L. Roberson, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander,  commended Bibb for a job well done and charged Torkelson to have motivational mission accomplishment, the compassionate care of Airmen and their families, and the drive to innovate and improve.

The outgoing 100th ARW commander, Bibb, thanked all Airmen, civilians and British guests for their service and hard work while he was in command.

"Thank you for your continued support of those who defend freedom," said Bibb. "It was an honor and privilege to serve our great nation and command the Bloody Hundredth."      

Following the change of command, Torkelson spoke to members of Team Mildenhall and challenged the Airmen and civilians of the 100th ARW to "Be ready, stay balanced, and get better."

"To the Airmen of the Bloody Hundredth, understand that you are the backbone of power projection in this area of the world, and that you are the "Global" in Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power," said Torkelson. "The 100th Bomb Group vets have a saying, 'Once a part of the 100th, always a part of the 100th.' It is a sincere honor to be back in the Bloody Hundredth as an active member. Team Torkelson vows to extend their storied legacy a few more years with your help and to continue the 100th Air Refueling Wing's tradition of being 'Square-D Away.'"

Prior to arriving at RAF Mildenhall, Torkelson served as the vice commander of the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan.  However he's no stranger to RAF Mildenhall. He was formerly the 351st Air Refueling Squadron commander from July 2010 to June 2012.