33rd inducts new honorary commanders

  • Published
  • By Ashley M. Wright
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 33rd Fighter Wing inducted nine new honorary commanders in a ceremony here April 9.

The purpose of the 33rd FW honorary commander program is to increase the understanding of the wing's missions among community leaders through extensive, creative and unique activities.

"We are honored and fortunate to welcome our newest group of honorary commanders," said Col. David Hlatky, 33rd FW commander. "They are all wonderful leaders in Northwest Florida, and we're eager and excited for our new friendships. These new honorary commanders, along with our alumni club members, will be instrumental in sharing the new 33d Fighter Wing and Joint Strike Fighter missions with our community."

The 33rd FW transitioned to Air Education and Training Command Oct. 1 with the mission to train Air Force, Marine, Navy and international partner operators and maintainers of the F-35 Lightning II.These are the freshman commanders under the new mission.

The capstone of the ceremony for many was not the certificates, dinner or the briefing describing the mission and joint structure of the wing, but an opportunity to experience an F-35 first hand. The honorary commanders took turns "flying" in an F-35 cockpit demonstrator. The demonstrator made a brief tour of the unit April 6- 9 to allow community leaders to understand what the first Joint Strike Fighter students will experience here at Eglin.

Bob McGill, 33rd FW Operations Group honorary commander, said he looks forward to learning more about the next generation aircraft during his tenure.

"[It will] be fun to see what the pros really do," the attorney said.

The wing's selection of honorary commanders possess diverse backgrounds in law, education, business and more. The honorary commanders will serve for a period of one year.

The 2010 33rd Fighter Wing Honorary Commanders are:

Kaye McKinley- Academic Training Center
Jamey Lamey- 58th Fighter Squadron
Barry Steiner-33rd Fighter Wing commander
Oliver Petit-Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron-501
John McLane- 33rd Fighter Wing vice commander
Clint Aden- 33rd Fighter Wing command chief
Mary Anne Windes-33rd Maintenance Group
Bob E. McGill- 33rd Operations Group
Brett Machtig- 33rd Operations Support Squadron