521st AMOW welcomes new commander

The 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing welcomed its new commander, Col. Nancy Bozzer, June 18.

As the wing’s commander, Bozzer expedites maximum war-fighting and humanitarian effects for America through rapid and precise global air mobility in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Bozzer recently sat down with Ramstein public affairs to talk about her transition from a group commander to a wing commander, her command priorities and what helped shape her as an airman and leader.

What does it mean to you to transition from a group command to now being the 521st AMOW commander?

I was the flying group commander for the KC-135 Stratotanker in the 100th Operations Group at (Royal Air Force) Mildenhall, United Kingdom. During my time there we focused more so on the operational aspect of the mission, whereas now, as the wing commander, I have to focus more on the big strategic picture. This is a very diverse wing that is dispersed throughout three continents, six time zones and 5,000 miles, whereas when you’re a group commander your people are right there. Though I have only been here for a few weeks, I am very excited to take on the challenge.

What are your command priorities that you would like to communicate to your Airmen?

My first command priority is how we accomplish the mission, which will be through flexibility, tenacity, velocity and upholding our motto “Depend on Us.”

Flexibility is the key to air power, so no matter the circumstance, we will be available to accomplish what is asked of us. Tenacity is the desire and commitment to ensure the mission is completed, so like the Airman’s Creed, “We will not falter, we will not fail.” We take on that same kind of motto we want to instill in our Airmen. Then velocity, our job is to move equipment and people safely to where the mission is. So how fast we get from point A to point B is very important, especially when the wing is spread over 5,000 miles.

My second command priority is remaining  an expeditionary force. We in the 521st AMOW are essentially enablers. Even though we are considered home station assets, we have the flexibility to change our wing footprint to flex with mission requirements. It is imperative that we continue to have an expeditionary mindset, so we can react like a “quick reaction force” in order to accomplish the mission.

My third command priority is family. I’m not talking about only taking care of your spouse or child but also your parents, siblings or even friends. Family can be anyone you are close to, and the chief and I want the Airmen to feel like they are part of the 521st AMOW family as well as their host wing. We want the Airmen to be proud to wear the Air Mobility Command patch.

What goals do you want to achieve while you are here?

I want to reshape and prepare for emerging and existing missions. As things change in the world, we need to change along with it. I also want to develop and grow our Airmen, from enlisted, officers to our civilian counterparts. We need to make sure we are creating good citizens for our nation, as well as good ambassadors for where we live. My third goal is to build upon the partnerships we have with the host nations, sister services and allied nations.

Along the lines of developing Airmen, what would you recommend to your Airmen for them to be successful?

I would say to any Airman to be persistent and dedicated. Follow the core values, but don’t give up on your goals and dreams. Do your best in what you’re doing right now, and good things will come to you.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is my family. My husband Jim and son Dillon have always been supportive through all the demands of the military. I am also very proud of my Air Force family. Through the Air Force I have friends scattered across the world and at any point in time they are always there whether it is a quick visit or my family needs help. You just can’t get that same bond in the civilian sector. A perfect example was my recent change of command. Due to family commitments, my husband and son couldn’t be there. Two of my dear friends, despite their own chaos in their lives while trying to PCS, took the time to be there. It’s having those strong bonds with my family and friends that have helped push me forward.

Originally wanting to be a lawyer, what led you to the Air Force and what keeps you here?

I was working as a waitress to pay for college, and I hit a lot of roadblocks on my way to becoming a lawyer. Thankfully, while at Michigan State University, the ROTC detachment commander, Col. John Rogers, suggested I join the Air Force. With no military history in my immediate family, I went ahead and gave it a shot. I fell in love with the Air Force immediately and knew this is what I wanted to do. The adventure has been great, and now 23 years later it still feels like I joined just yesterday.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Airmen in general are amazing. Just watching them go out and do the mission is what makes me want to get up every morning and come to work. The energy and pride they exude is extraordinary. That’s what has made the last 23 years wonderful. And I very much look forward to working with them during the next two years as their commander, fellow Airman and fellow citizen.