96th ABW welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The change of command for the 96th Air Base Wing was compared symbolically to soldiers following their leaders into battle.

In his invocation, head chaplain Col. Brian Hunter, said these soldiers followed their flag and, if that banner still waved after the battle, it was a sign their side had not tasted defeat.

Col. Bruce McClintock's flag waved brightly as he led his people and the surrounding communities from the front, the chaplain said. Col. Sal Nodjomian's is about to begin.

That flag changed hands before a crowd of approximately 500 community leaders, commanders, Airmen and Soldiers. Colonel Nodjomian and his family arrive here from Washington, D.C., where he was the Senior Military Assistant, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Installations, Environment and Logistics.

General C. R. Davis, Program Executive Officer for Weapons and Air Armament Center Commander, officiated the ceremony where he praised the 96th ABW for its accomplishments and restated the importance of the wing's mission. He said the change of command is very quick and seamless from one leader to another, something he defines "smart leadership" for the audience.

"Smart leaders work with a lot of fine people like we have here and when they take on this command job, they know it's not about them, it's about the work of the people who are gathered around the room today. You always need someone to harness the energy of a great organization like the 96th ABW and the groups who support it."

General Davis said the base stands on the shoulders of the support the wing provides for five additional wings, 45 tenant organizations and the two newest missions, the Joint Strike Fighter Training Center and the 7th Special Forces Group. He alluded to the many challenges ahead, like budget cutbacks, but expressed confidence in his new commander who holds four masters degrees and has been awarded two Bronze Stars.

After Colonel McClintock reiterated his four wing priorities during his tenure and recognized individuals who embodied those priorities, took a moment to remember the almost 600 Airmen deployed from Eglin, approximately 250 of whom are from the 96th ABW.

Upon taking command, Colonel Nodjomian received his first salute from the wing's Airmen. He recognized and thanked family and friends in the audience, including his parents who immigrated to the United States from Iran and Turkey. The colonel said he's inheriting "an incredible organization and one that is already fine tuned." He expressed his desire to start tackling the challenges that lie ahead and confidence they will be "put in the win column."

In closing, Colonel Nodjomian said he received a lot of advice about assuming the helm of the wing and a constant thread ran through it all.

"The one thing I heard again and again is what a wonderful community this is; a great place to work, to call home, to raise a family," he said. "That is because of our community leaders and the folks who make Eglin the crown jewel of not just Air Force Materiel Command but the Air Force. I can think of absolutely no better place to be a wing commander."