Former Moody rescue group commander to lead 23d Wing

  • Published
  • By Airman Alexis Grotz
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
Moody Air Force Base, Ga. --  U.S. Air Force Col. Chad Franks assumed command of the 23d Wing from Col. Billy Thompson during a change of command ceremony at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., July 12.

Franks returns to Moody after serving as the Air Force Central Command chief of staff, forward, Combined Air and Space Operations Center. Previously stationed at Moody, Franks was the commander of the 347th Rescue Group from July 2010 to July 2012.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity for me and my family to get to rejoin the 23d WG and the Flying Tigers family once again," said Franks.

The change of command ceremony is a military tradition. Although it's symbolic, the ceremony still indicates the authority of the incoming commander.

Maj. Gen. H.D. Polumbo, 9th Air Force commander, spoke at the ceremony about the 23d WG and the Airmen who help to make Moody great.

"You are a wing that is in high demand all around the world," said Polumbo. "The 23d WG is multifaceted with the many different aircraft displayed as well as the Airmen ready for combat."

Thompson has led those combat-ready Airmen at Moody since July 2011.

"Two years ago, I stood here and asked each of you Airmen to live by your core values and that we make each day a little better than the day before," said Thompson. "The best thing about being assigned with the Flying Tigers and the 23d WG is the opportunity to live in South Georgia, as well as the hospitality from the local community."

After speaking to the crowd, Thompson received the Legion of Merit award, which was presented by Polumbo.

"I, on behalf of all the Flying Tigers, thank you [Thompson] for the leadership you have provided over the past two years," said Franks.

To finalize the change of command, Thompson's name was removed from an HH-60G Pave Hawk, to reveal the new 23d WG commander, Franks.

"The Flying Tigers are a championship team, and it's important to know how a team maintains that level all the time...'Champions aren't champions because they do extraordinary things, they are champions because they do ordinary things better than anyone else,'" said Franks. "I challenge each of you to come to work every day and play like a champion."

As Franks becomes the new wing commander, Thompson will take the position of chief of legislative liaisons to the Senate in Washington, D.C.