Colonel Webb takes command of 603rd AOC

by Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane
USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

9/8/2014 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Col. Michael Webb took command of the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center from Col. Jeffery Marker during a change of command ceremony here Sep. 4, 2014.

Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, 3rd Air Force commander, who officiated the ceremony, spoke highly of Marker just prior to awarding him the Legion of Merit.

"Without the 603rd doing the job," said Roberson, "we would not be able to answer the request for airpower when the combatant commanders call. Magic [Marker], you have embraced innovation to overcome any challenge your team was met with."

The 603rd AOC is home to 600 Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors who are responsible for executing command and control of air, information and space operations throughout 32 million square miles of air space in U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa

Command. The AOC responded to numerous events on the global scale to include the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, air operations over Mali and the U.S. Embassy evacuation in Tripoli.

"I have said several times how much it has meant to me to serve with this team," said Marker. "I have had the opportunity to have a front row seat and be witness to all of the great things these Airmen have accomplished.

"When they read that award citation," he said to the Airmen in attendance, "those accomplishments they attributed to me, those are your accomplishments."

Marker, who took command of the AOC in 2012, retires from the Air Force after 27 years of service.

Roberson took time to convey his appreciation for the leadership Marker displayed during his tenure in the AOC.

"Europe and Africa are both in a better place because of your command in the AOC," said Roberson. "You are the definition of a selfless leader, and we are grateful for that."

Embracing the future of the 603rd, Roberson welcomed Webb as the new commander of the 603rd AOC. Webb's previous assignment was at U.S. Special Operations Command, Macdill Air Force Base, Fla., as a strategic planner.

"I am proud of our Air Force and proud to have Col. Webb come in and take command," said Roberson. "And I challenge you to these three priorities: motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of Airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate."

Webb, a master navigator in the F-15E Strike Eagle with more than 2,200 hours and 240 combat hours expressed his appreciation to Gen. Roberson for entrusting him to the position of command.

"Thank you for putting your trust in me to lead such an amazing team," said Webb. "Thank you for trusting me with the men and women of the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center who, when called upon, expertly command and direct our nation's air power and the air power of our NATO and coalition allies."

Webb turned his attention to the men and women he is now charged with leading.

"This tremendous geographic responsibility is accompanied by an even more diverse set of challenges that vary across the entire spectrum," Webb said. "You, the men and women of the 603rd must find innovative ways to continue to dominate our adversaries to gain and maintain air superiority."

Webb said that he is dedicated to the team and the mission.

"I look forward to working with each and every one of you over the next few years as we tackle these challenges together as a team," Webb said.