Passing the flag: 927 ARW gains new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jennie Chamberlin
  • 927 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA --  During a change of command ceremony here Saturday, Colonel David P. Pavey relinquished command of the 927th Air Refueling Wing to Colonel Douglas J. Schwartz. Major General Mark A. Kyle, 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 Pavey assumed command of the 927th ARW in April of 2010. Within the past two years and nine months, Colonel Pavey has seen the wing support humanitarian missions in the Dominican Republic, Belize and Nicaragua, execute major deployments and excel in several inspections. Colonel Pavey will move on to become Director of Staff for 4th Air Force at March Air Reserve Base, Calif.

Colonel Schwartz is coming to the 927th ARW from March Air Reserve Base, where he was the 4th Air Force Director of Staff. During his first speech as commander of the 927th, Colonel Schwartz expressed appreciation to Colonel Scott DeThomas, 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, and gave words of support and praise to the members of his new command.

"To the members of the 927th Air Refueling Wing, you can't imagine how happy I am to be back here with you, among you and leading you," said Col. Schwartz, who is a former commander of the 927th Operations Group.

In an act of welcome, Command Chief Master Sgt. Nina Watkins presented flowers to Colonel Schwartz's family on behalf of the 927th ARW.