86th AW welcomes new commander

Airmen of the 86th Airlift Wing welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony  June 19 on Ramstein.

Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas formally took command of the Air Force’s premier power projection platform in Hangar 1 while Lt. Gen. Darryl L. Roberson, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, officiated the ceremony.

“We are gathered here today to reflect on the accomplishments of the 86th Airlift Wing over the last two years under the command of General Mordente and say farewell, good luck and thank you,” Roberson said. “I’d also like to give a big welcome to General Thomas and his wife and say welcome back to Ramstein.”

As the wing commander, Thomas will be responsible for six groups, 27 squadrons and 10 geographically-separated units across five countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium and Turkey.

“General Mordente, thank you for your service to the 86th Airlift Wing,” Thomas said. “It is clear that this wing and its Airmen are successful and on the right track, which speaks greatly to the person leading them. To the Airmen of Ramstein, I will always be proud to serve with you. You can expect me to give my best every day, leading with passion and compassion for you and your families. I ask but one thing in return; that you extend that same level of effort to execute the mission. It is our duty to follow in the footsteps of those great Airmen before us.”

Before becoming commander, Thomas served as Joint Staff/J7 Deputy Director for Future Joint Force Development in Suffolk, Virginia, where he was responsible for joint concept development, joint war gaming, joint and coalition operational analysis and joint lessons learned.

During his last assignment to Ramstein AB, Thomas served as the commander of the 86th Operations Group.