New 23rd WG commander takes reins

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
The former vice wing commander took command of the controls of the 23rd Wing May 11 in a change of command ceremony at the base fuel barn. 

Col. Kenn Todorov succeeded Col. Joe Callahan, who will become the Air Combat Command deputy chief of air and space operations at Langley Air Force Base, Va. 

"I am taking command of the finest wing in the U.S. Air Force," said Colonel Todorov, an HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot with more than 3,800 command hours. "Three things make it such a special organization. 

"First, we have a great mission built on the rich heritage of valor, honor, courage and sacrifice," said the new wing commander. "Second, our warrior Airmen are disciplined, agile, dedicated, combat focused and expeditionary. And finally, no other base has better community support. It fills us with a sense of pride and inspires us to achieve our best." 

After expressing his pride at being asked to lead the 23rd wing, Colonel Todorov went on to outline his expectations for the more than 6,200 Airmen and civilians under his command. 

"I know from my time here you are some of the most special and talented people who wear the Air Force uniform," he continued. "But remember, being an Airman in this wing has nothing to do with rank, career field, organization or what kind of uniform you wear to work. We are all Airmen." 

Colonel Todorov asked his team to keep three specific directives in mind. The first was to create leaders at every level. 

"I challenge each and every one of you to make each other better," he said. "All of you are leaders, from the most junior Airman on up. I expect all of you to invest the time and effort it takes to mentor, teach, grow and nurture our most precious resource. It takes a deliberate effort and isn't always easy, but it is a must do." 

The commander also stressed preparation as a key aspect of the wing's mission. 

"You need to always be physically, mentally and personally ready to respond and succeed anytime, anywhere," Colonel Todorov said. "You can't always do it alone, so I expect that you take care of your families, so they can help take care of you." 

Colonel Todorov then emphasized the fact that the distinctive symbol of the Flying Tigers are a sharp set of teeth, and we and our enemies should never forget it. 

"You must always be ready to fight and win," said the commander. "I expect every Airman in the 23rd Wing to embody the warrior ethos; the mindset, culture, conviction, soul and spirit expected of us. It's about the realization that our nation depends on this wing, on you, to dominate and win decisively in combat. 

"We must develop and grow warrior leaders, be prepared to deploy and be ready to win," he summarized. "These three things embody a 24-hour-a-day effort. My expectations are high, but I have no doubt you will excel." 

These thoughts were echoed by the outgoing commander, Colonel Callahan. 

"Colonel Todorov, you have a wing filled with many experts, from many missions," said Colonel Callahan. "All you have to do is let them take action and they will continue to produce success after success." 

The proven success of the entire wing was also touched on by Lt. Gen. Gary North, commander of 9th Air Force and U.S. Central Command Air Forces, and officiator of the ceremony. 

"In the midst of combat operations in the area of responsibility and during the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Flying Tigers plucked literally thousands of civilians from danger as the entire nation watched and was humbled by your bravery," said General North, speaking about the hard work and dedication of the 23rd Wing. "I have every confidence that the Flying Tigers will continue to serve with such distinction and valor in the face of any future challenge." 

Colonel Todorov holds three masters degrees; one in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College in Newport R.I., a masters in strategic studies from the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., and a masters in business administration from National University, in San Diego, Calif. 

He has flown at least 12 aircraft types, including HH-3E Jolly Green Giants, HH-60G Pave Hawks, SH-60F Sea Hawks, and the MI-24 Hind.

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