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On the morning of May 24, members of the 721st Aerial Port Squadron gathered to celebrate a change of command. The presiding officer for the ceremony was Col. James L. MacFarlane, 721st Air Mobility Operations Group commander.
Several distinguished visitors, including Col. Kimberly J. Corcoran, 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing commander, and Col. Juan C. Narvid, 521st AMOW vice commander, among many others, were also in attendance to witness the passing of the guidon from Lt. Col. Vernon K. Lucas to Lt. Col. Michael W. Erhardt.
Before the official ceremony, dozens of members of the 721st APS performed a dry run to ensure everyone was ready. Capt. Faith Posey, 721st APS director of operations, commanded 24 aerial port members through drills in preparation of
welcoming their new commander.
Prior to the arrival of the official party, select members of the 721st APS escorted family members to their seats.
Once seated, the official party was brought in, members of the honor guard posted the colors, Gertrude Grosskopf sung the German national anthem, and Airman 1st Class Emerald Payne sung the American national anthem to open the ceremony.
“History reveals that in the Middle Ages, Soldiers in the field often didn’t know or recognize their commanders. In response to this problem, the continental army of the United States conducted the first official change of command ceremony,” said Master Sgt. Bill Farmer, the master of ceremony during the opening remarks. “Just as it has in the past, the formal change of command allows troops to witness the actual transfer of command between two officers and see their new
commander first hand.”
Colonel MacFarlane started off by welcoming everyone to the change of command and greeted all the distinguished visitors.
Colonel Macfarlane spoke of the outstanding accomplishments of Colonel Lucas while in command of the “High-Vis, War Critical en route” at Ramstein. These included the AF Explosive Safety Award for the sixth consecutive year, the 2008 Air Force Large Terminal of the Year, and many others.
Colonel MacFarlane highlighted the many accomplishments of Colonel Erhardt during his almost 24 years of service. Colonel Erhardt’s ability to lead helped the 735th Air Mobility Squadron at Hickam Air Force Base garner the 2003 15th Air Force Global Reach Award for best air mobility squadron.
Prior to Colonel Macfarlane turning the floor over to Colonel Lucas, he presented him with the Meritorious Service Medal fourth oak leaf cluster for all his accomplishments as commander of the 723rd Air Mobility Squadron and the 721st Aerial Port Squadron.
Colonel Lucas thanked everyone for attending and spoke of the many accomplishments of the men and women under his command. He spoke of the improved rate of on-time departures climbing from 98.6 percent to an astonishing 99.3 percent and the ability of the squadron members to take any challenge head-on and surpass everyone’s expectations.
Colonel Lucas ended by thanking his wife Kim and daughters, Annie and Haley, for all their support through the years. He gave one final piece of advice to the new commander of the 721 APS, Colonel Erhardt, on how to keep the squadron successful.
“Challenge them, set a goal and get out of their way,” Colonel Lucas said.
After taking command of the 721st APS, Colonel Erhardt said he is “psyched” to be in charge of the squadron. He thanked his wife Cheryl, daughter Morgan and son Jack for supporting him throughout the years, through all the moves, and changing of schools.
Before ending his remarks and departing as the new commander of the 721st Aerial Port Squadron, Colonel Erhardt said, “Nothing happens without the aerial port.”
