MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FL -- Col. Frank Amodeo assumed command of the 927th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida from Col. Randy Bright Sept. 11 during a change of command ceremony here.
Presiding over the ceremony, 4th Air Force Reserve Commander Maj. Gen. John C. Flournoy praised Bright’s past accomplishments and expressed confidence in Amodeo as the new commander of the 927th.
“Col. Bright has done a phenomenal job executing his duties as commander of the 927 ARW. We’re glad to be gaining him up at Air Force Reserve Command headquarters as we know and understand that he’ll do an excellent job up there,” said Flournoy.
The 927th is a wing of approximately 950 personnel with three groups and two medical squadrons directly reporting to the wing commander. The 927th is also home to two reserve specific missions at MacDill AFB, the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and the 927th Aeromedical Staging Squadron.
In his parting remarks, Bright credited his command’s success to the efforts of Airmen of the 927 ARW.
“These Airmen have done so much for me and I couldn’t be more proud to have served with you,” said Bright. “You always made my job easier each day and I thank you for it because you all were the driving force of that, all of the success we had was because of you all, not me.”
As he concluded his speech, Bright offered one final encouragement to ARW Airmen.
"Even though we have one of the smallest wings in the command, we have one of the most educated and safest wings in all of the Air Force Reserve,” said Bright. “You all have made this wing standout and I want you to keep pressing forward.”
After leaving the 927 ARW, Bright will assume his new role at Air Force Reserve Headquarters, Warner Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, as deputy director of the Inspector General’s office.
Prior to joining the 927th, Amodeo served as the wing commander of the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. During his time there, Amodeo oversaw approximately 1,400 and civilian personnel operating, maintaining and supporting assigned squadrons and flights in support of tactical airlift missions, weather reconnaissance and combat support.
Upon receiving the 927th flag from Flournoy, Amodeo received his first salute as the new commander of the 927th Air Refueling Wing and expressed his thanks to the assembled crowd.
“I am thankful for all of you honorary commanders, and others who are in attendance for coming today, I haven’t met everyone but I am looking forward to building relationships and trust with all of you out there,” said Amodeo.
During the ceremony, Amodeo addressed his family and expressed his gratitude for their support throughout his career in the Air Force.
“To my family, I am not sure I would be here without the support that you give me on a daily basis. I love you all and cannot wait to embark on this part of our journey together,” said Amodeo.
Before departing, Amodeo declared his commitment to support 927th ARW Airmen as they continue to execute the wings primary mission, air to air refueling.
“The men and women of Team MacDill do an exceptional job working together.” Amodeo said. “Together as a team, you Airmen are fueling the fight. You help bring patients home, transport cargo when it’s asked of you and without hesitation it gets done, and I am extremely proud to be a part of the team here at MacDill.”