MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. -- The 63rd Air Refueling Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony held here, 4 May, during the Unit Training Assembly.
During the ceremony, the presiding officer, Col. Caroline B. Evernham, commander of the 927th Operations Group, introduced Lt. Col. Marc R. McAllister in front of families, Airmen and local leaders as the new commander over the 63rd ARS.
“Lt. Col. McAllister has a great range of experience coming from an active duty background and also from being assigned to two Reserve bases,” said Evernham. “I have no doubt he will have a tremendous impact as the new commander for the 63rd ARS.”
McAllister earned his commission from Louisiana State University in 2001 and has served in a number of positions both operational and as staff, including duty as a C-21, C-130 Hercules and KC-135 Stratotanker crew commander, squadron chief pilot and a Hurricane Hunter pilot. While deployed, McAllister has served in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.
McAllister accepted the command with a hopeful optimism for the future.
“To the men and women of the 63rd Air Refueling Squadron, I'm very humble to be selected as your commander," McAllister said. "I plan to lead and keep the squadron positive and professional in all that we do.
Former commander Lt. Col. Shane D. Rogers might have relinquished his command over the 63rd ARS but is not going far, he will now be assigned as the Deputy Group Commander for the 6th Mobility Wing at MacDill AFB.