EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A new chapter in Eglin’s mission support began July 18 here with a passing of a flag.
The 96th Mission Support Group’s guidon was passed from Col. David Willcox to Col. Ivory Carter during a change of command ceremony at the Bayview Club.
“While this marks the end of a chapter in the legacy of the MSG, it’s also an opportunity to welcome yet another terrific officer who will lead the group going forward,” said Brig. Gen. Evan Dertien, 96th Test Wing commander.
Willcox thanked friends, family, his commanders and Airmen for a wonderful last assignment. He will retire to the local area, where he grew up, in the near future. He saved his final remarks for his superintendent, Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Moody. He fought back emotions thanking Moody and expressing the impact the chief had on his command and life.
During Willcox’s final salute, the squadrons represented in the three formations called out their names and yelled their slogans loud and proud to send the commander off.
Carter arrives to the command from a National Defense Fellow assignment in Washington D.C. He expressed his thanks for the opportunity and remarked about the importance of this assignment in his Air Force journey. He said he’d come a long way from growing up in the Jacksonville projects to becoming a leader in the Air Force.
“I look forward to working with everyone. Now, let’s go to work,” said the new commander.