521st AMOW welcomes new commander

Airmen, civilians and host nation members of the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing welcomed their new commander in a ceremony July 30 in Hangar 5 on Ramstein.

Col. Randall Reed assumed command of the 521st AMOW from Col. Kip Turain during a ceremony officiated by Maj. Gen. William J. Bender, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander.

“He brings many talents, gifts of expertise, judgment, presence and wisdom,” Bender said. “He is ready to take on the mantle of command to lead the 521st to new heights.

Colonel Reed’s career has prepared him well for assuming command today.”
Before arriving at Ramstein, he served as commander of the 379th Expeditionary Operations Group in Southwest Asia.

“Men and women of the 521st, a change of command ceremony is as much about recognizing you — the service members, civilians and families — as it is about the outgoing and incoming commanders,” Reed said. “Together, our future will be equally exciting. I want you to know it is a great honor to serve with you and an equally greater honor to lead you. You have my all. You have my best.”

In 2009, Reed earned his Master of Science degree in national resource strategy at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.
He is a command pilot with more than 3,300 flying hours in several different aircraft.

The 521st AMOW provides en route air mobility services: aircraft maintenance, aerial port, and command and control in Europe, Southwest and Central Asia and Northern Africa. The wing has personnel spread across 19 bases in 13 different countries.

The departing commander left Reed with a few parting words.

“I depart knowing that the Airmen and the mission are in your capable hands and that you are in the good hands of the 521st,” Turain said.