39th Air Base Wing changes command

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Daniel Phelps
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Command of the 39th Air Base Wing changed over in a ceremony here as Col. Chris Craige, outgoing 39th ABW commander, passed the guidon over to Col. Craig Wills, the new 39th ABW commander.

"We are sad to say good bye to Col. Craige as he departs from here, but excited to welcome Col. Wills," said presiding officer Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin, 3rd Air Force commander. "Incirlik is a special base in our Air Force."

There is a long and proud history at Incirlik, Franklin continued, and Craige has done a phenomenal job with the Wing from supporting the NATO Patriot defense mission to passing inspections with flying colors.

"Col. Craige has ensured the Wing has remained safe during challenging times and has brought a family focus that is integral to this base," Franklin added.

Craige expressed his gratitude and his appreciation for his time spent at Incirlik.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to be commander here," Craige said. "I will forever remember Turkey as a great country full of great hospitality."

"I've been impressed by the success of the Airmen at Incirlik and it is entirely due to their accomplishments," Craige continued. "The sense of community here has got us through the challenges."

The Craige family and the impact they've had, not only on Incirlik AB but on the Air Force as a whole, is proven by their United States Air Force Europe nomination for the Gen. and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award. The award recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the nation, the Air Force, and the local community best exemplify the highest ideals and positive leadership of a military couple in a key Air Force position.

Franklin has confidence the new commander will find similar success.

"With the departure of Col. Craige, I can't think of a better replacement for him than Col. Wills," Franklin said.

Wills arrived to Incirlik after being the deputy assistant chief of staff for operations at United States Forces Korea.

"Wills was rated number one out of 14 colonels at USFK," Franklin said. "He is a people-focused leader and he is taking charge of a unique wing at a unique time in a unique location."

While in Korea working with the Army, Wills was constantly told what a great base he was coming to, the new 39th ABW commander said.

"I couldn't be more proud to serve or more honored to be here," Wills said. "I look forward to standing on the line and taking my turn at watch."