New commander takes reins of 31st Fighter Wing

  • Published
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Nearly 1,000 Team Aviano members and friends packed into Hangar 3 to greet a new commander as he accepted the reins of the 31st Fighter Wing during a ceremony here May 30.

Presiding over the event, Lt. Gen. Craig A. Franklin, 3rd Air Force commander, passed the wing colors to Brig. Gen. Jon A. Norman and wished Brig. Gen. Scott J. Zobrist farewell.

"A change of command ceremony brings really two distinct emotions," said Franklin. "It's really hard to say goodbye to a great command team but we also feel the excitement about saying 'welcome' to a new command team."

The 3rd Air Force commander highlighted Norman's "record of consistent achievement" confident that the general is up to the task of commanding the only U.S. fighter wing south of the Alps.

"The Airmen that stand in front of you are the key as you know," Franklin said. "They are the next greatest generation. They are the Airmen of the finest Air Force in the world. I guarantee you they will live up to the 'Return with Honor' mantra of this wing wherever they go."

Norman comes to Aviano from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, where he served as the director of U.S. Air Forces in Europe-United Kingdom. The general said he's eager to meet with the members of Team Aviano, lauding the wing for their accomplishments.

"To the men and women of the 31st Fighter Wing, it's an honor to lead you," Norman said. "I thank you for everything you have done to make this wing as spectacular as it is."

Zobrist, who will serve as the director of requirements for Headquarters Air Combat Command at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., expressed his gratitude to the members of Team Aviano for their expertise and commitment.

"The Airmen of the 31st Fighter Wing have confronted challenge after challenge and rose to the occasion each time to successfully execute their mission with professionalism and dedication," Zobrist said. "Thanks to each and every Airmen, Soldier, civilian and local national employee here at Aviano for all that you have done. I salute you."