MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing welcomes Col. Danielle Willis and bids farewell to Col. Paul Birch during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2020, here.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Chad P. Franks, 9th Air Force commander, presided over the virtual ceremony, reflected on what Birch has accomplished and welcomed back Willis as the new 93d AGOW commander.
“We often say that our Airmen deserve great leadership,” said Franks. “That is just what they will get with Col. Danielle Willis as she takes the reins of this amazing wing. The warriors of the 93d AGOW have been exceptional because they were well-led [by Birch].”
Franks added that Birch has done a fantastic job, and he should be very proud as he embarks on his new journey as the Air Forces Central Command chief of staff at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.
“I’ve been incredibly grateful for the team of leaders with whom I was blessed to serve,” said Birch. “The reason why I had the best job in the past two years was [because of] the Airmen of the AGOW. To leave the comfort of my aviator tribe and learn distinct mission sets is a challenge I wish everyone could experience.”
After reflecting on Birch’s success, Franks acknowledged Willis’ ability to lead the wing. Franks mentioned how Willis’ experiences have prepared her for the challenges to come.
“Col. Willis comes with a resume filled with an exceptional range of assignments and accomplishments that have prepared her for this challenging and prestigious position,” said Franks.
Willis stated that she was grateful for the opportunity to virtually assume command as the wing’s Airmen continue to accomplish some of the most vital missions in the U.S. Air Force.
“With 2,700 Airmen in 20 different locations across the country, it would have been impossible for us to get the whole wing in one place for the change of command,” said Willis. “The silver lining of the COVID pandemic is that, as a service, we are able to leverage technology in new ways that ultimately benefit the 93d AGOW and our Airmen.”
Before Willis assumed command, she made remarks regarding how she will lead the wing and challenge everyone in it to do their best.
“Accomplishing these goals involves the entire wing,” said Willis. “I am challenging everyone in this wing to bring their best every day. The world is changing quickly, and we are working hard to get ahead of the power curve and to be mission-ready whenever and wherever the Air Force needs us.”