927th ARW says 'Farewell' Col. Lewis, 'Welcome' Col. Pavey

  • Published
  • By Capt. Shane Huff
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  During a change of command ceremony here Saturday, Colonel Kenneth D. Lewis, Jr., relinquished command of the 927th Air Refueling Wing to Colonel David P. Pavey. Major General Eric W. Crabtree, Commander of 4th Air Force, was the presiding official for the ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by local civic leaders, honorary commanders, mission partners from the active duty 6th Air Mobility Wing, friends and family, and the men and women of the 927th Air Refueling Wing.

Colonel Lewis assumed command of the 927th ARW April 27, 2008.  Within the past two years, Colonel Lewis has seen the wing grow from approximately eight people to 800 people, excel in two major inspections, and perform a flawless first-time deployment since the wing's transfer here from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich.  Colonel Lewis and his family are moving to San Antonio, Texas where he is assuming command of the 433rd Airlift Wing, Lackland Air Force Base.  In his words of farewell he thanked many people in attendance in the ceremony, especially giving thanks and recognition to the men and women of the 927th ARW for being "The Premier Wing."

Colonel Pavey, his wife Shawna and son Ryan are coming to the 927th from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., where he was the 446th Airlift Wing Operations Group commander. During his first speech as commander of the 927th, Colonel Pavey expressed appreciation to Colonel Lewis and to Colonel Lawrence D. Martin, Jr., Commander of the 6th Air Mobility Wing, for the great associate relationship that has already been built between the active-duty and Reserve wings. He also gave special recognition to the community partners and honorary commanders in attendance for their presence and support.  Colonel Pavey recognized the great work that the 927th has accomplished since its stand up at MacDill and made it clear that he is not coming here with a special agenda to change the work that has already started.

"Let no mistake be made; you are the ones doing the work" said Colonel Pavey. "I look forward to working with you and to being an advocate for you." 

Colonel Pavey said that he is very proud and humbled to be here, and that he would not be able to accomplish anything without the support of his family.

In an act of farewell to Micki Lewis, and an act of welcome to Shawna Pavey, Command Chief Master Sgt. Nina Watkins presented flowers to both spouses on behalf of the 927th ARW.