1st FW gains new commander

by Senior Airman Kimberly Nagle
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

7/13/2015 - JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. -- U.S. Air Force Col. Peter Fesler assumed command of the 1st Fighter Wing from Brig. Gen. Kevin Huyck, during a change of command ceremony at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, July 10, 2015.

More than 100 Airmen, including Maj. Gen. H.D. Polumbo Jr., 9th Air Force commander and presiding officer, attended the ceremony to celebrate Huyck's time at the wing and its future under Fesler.

Fesler, a pilot with more than 2,000 flying hours, came to the wing after serving at the Pentagon as the Chief of Staff for the Joint Staff and will now take responsibility for the worldwide rapid deployment and employment of F-22 Raptor air dominance fighters in support of combatant commanders around the globe.

While Fesler is new to his assumed position, he is not new to Langley. After completing the F-22 transition course in 2008, joined the 94th Fighter Squadron as the director of operations, and later took command of the 27th Fighter Squadron where he lead the unit during a Theater Security Package deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Finally, Fesler acted as the deputy commander of the 1st Operations Group before attending the National War College in July 2012.

During the ceremony, Polumbo welcomed Fesler and his family while highlighting some of Fesler's accomplishments throughout his career as well as his qualities to enable the wing's success.

"[Fesler] has a leadership style that enhances, promotes commitment to service and has an impressive track record of success," said Polumbo. "These qualities are essential for leading the 1st Fighter Wing."

Next, Fesler greeted the men and women of the 1st FW for the first time.

"It is an honor to be back here in the 1st Fighter Wing," said Fesler. "Men and women of the 1st Fighter Wing, you are a part of [a] tradition, you are upholding that standard, and as your commander, I am extra proud of that."

Fesler continued to say, he is ready to work with his surrounding partners and community members.

"Thank you for the opportunity to lead the 1st Fighter Wing," said Fesler, "and [help] represent its historical significance."

After two years at Langley, Huyck will continue his career at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as the deputy of staff operations at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Headquarters Allied Air Command after spending two years serving with the Fighter Wing.