WEBVTT 00:02.599 --> 00:04.821 Good morning ladies and gentlemen , and 00:04.821 --> 00:06.766 welcome to the first weather group 00:06.766 --> 00:06.440 assumption of command . I'm Master 00:06.440 --> 00:08.607 Sergeant Brian Johnson , your narrator 00:08.607 --> 00:11.039 for today . On behalf of our presiding 00:11.039 --> 00:12.928 officer , Colonel Hank Chilcoat , 00:12.928 --> 00:15.039 commander of the 557th Weather Wing , 00:15.239 --> 00:16.906 today we are honoring Colonel 00:16.906 --> 00:19.128 Christopher Wireman upon his assumption 00:19.128 --> 00:21.350 of command . Today's ceremony is rooted 00:21.350 --> 00:23.517 in military history dating back to the 00:23.517 --> 00:25.540 18th century . The reign of King 00:25.540 --> 00:28.180 Frederick the Great of Prussia . During 00:28.180 --> 00:30.291 this time , organizational flags were 00:30.291 --> 00:32.180 developed with colors and symbols 00:32.180 --> 00:34.291 unique to each particular unit . When 00:34.291 --> 00:36.458 the change of command took place , the 00:36.458 --> 00:38.919 outgoing commander passed the flag . To 00:38.919 --> 00:41.299 the individual assuming command . This 00:41.299 --> 00:43.355 gesture was accomplished in front of 00:43.355 --> 00:45.299 the unit so that all could witness 00:45.299 --> 00:47.466 their new leader assuming this dutiful 00:47.466 --> 00:49.355 position . Ladies and gentlemen , 00:49.355 --> 00:51.355 please stand for the arrival of the 00:51.355 --> 00:53.410 official party , the presentation of 00:53.410 --> 00:55.188 the colors , the playing of the 00:55.188 --> 00:57.299 national anthem , and we ask that you 00:57.299 --> 00:59.021 please remain standing for the 00:59.021 --> 01:01.077 invocation by Chaplain Peter Gagia . 01:23.230 --> 01:26.010 That the colors . By 01:27.080 --> 01:29.639 colors . What 01:31.599 --> 01:32.599 Or 01:50.620 --> 01:51.620 Colors . 01:55.720 --> 01:57.290 Present arms . 02:02.819 --> 02:06.239 Oh , can you see 02:07.449 --> 02:10.009 by the dawn's early . so proudly 02:13.800 --> 02:14.710 we at the 02:14.710 --> 02:18.429 twilight's last 02:18.429 --> 02:22.139 gleam . Whose broad stripes 02:22.139 --> 02:24.880 and bright stars . 02:35.910 --> 02:36.910 And stream . 02:40.470 --> 02:44.149 I can . The 02:44.419 --> 02:47.949 bombs bursting . proof 02:53.839 --> 02:54.839 that our flag . 03:09.699 --> 03:12.559 Or of the 03:15.720 --> 03:18.419 And of 03:26.289 --> 03:27.289 For . 03:31.320 --> 03:34.660 Arms . That 03:52.460 --> 03:54.627 Please join me in prayer if you wish . 03:56.669 --> 03:58.891 Heavenly Father , Creator of heaven and 03:58.891 --> 04:01.058 earth , who commands the winds and the 04:01.058 --> 04:03.550 rains , we gather today under your 04:03.550 --> 04:06.029 watchful care to mark this significant 04:06.029 --> 04:07.973 moment in the history of the first 04:07.973 --> 04:10.509 weather group and the 5:57 weather wind . 04:11.399 --> 04:13.720 We ask for your special blessing upon 04:13.720 --> 04:15.919 the incoming commander , Colonel 04:15.919 --> 04:18.260 Christopher Werman and his wife Kelly , 04:18.760 --> 04:21.179 as they join this community . As he 04:21.179 --> 04:23.346 prepares to lead , we ask for a divine 04:23.346 --> 04:25.899 guidance to fall upon him , grant him 04:26.200 --> 04:28.200 the clarity of cloudless sky in his 04:28.200 --> 04:30.160 vision , the wisdom to navigate 04:30.160 --> 04:32.382 challenges of leadership , the strength 04:32.382 --> 04:34.604 of prevailing winds to remain steadfast 04:34.604 --> 04:36.827 in his duty , and the humility to serve 04:36.827 --> 04:39.209 with integrity of compassion . Blessed 04:39.209 --> 04:41.769 dedicated men and women of the first 04:41.769 --> 04:44.010 weather group and the entire 557 04:44.010 --> 04:46.359 weather wing , as they forecast the 04:46.359 --> 04:48.929 element to protect and enable our force 04:48.929 --> 04:51.130 around the globe . May they be unified 04:51.130 --> 04:54.059 in purpose and shielded from harm . May 04:54.059 --> 04:56.489 the war continue to provide decisive 04:56.489 --> 04:59.489 advantage for our nation . We ask that 04:59.489 --> 05:01.267 you consecrate this transfer of 05:01.267 --> 05:03.433 authority and bless his command in his 05:03.433 --> 05:05.720 mission and his people . In your holy 05:05.720 --> 05:07.329 name we pray . Amen . 05:16.500 --> 05:18.611 Thank you to the Alpha Air Force Base 05:18.611 --> 05:20.500 Honor Guard Staff Sergeant Leslie 05:20.500 --> 05:22.722 Chaplain Gadia . Ladies and gentlemen , 05:22.722 --> 05:22.190 please be seated . 05:28.940 --> 05:31.162 There's a lot of you guys here . That's 05:31.162 --> 05:33.496 awesome . Thank you guys for being here . 05:33.496 --> 05:35.718 Uh , the first weather group would also 05:35.718 --> 05:37.940 like to extend a special welcome to the 05:37.940 --> 05:37.010 families of the official party , 05:37.290 --> 05:39.401 Colonel Chilcoat's wife , Ms . Kirsty 05:39.401 --> 05:42.029 Chilcoat . Uh , Colonel Wireman's wife , 05:42.059 --> 05:44.170 Kelly Wireman , we would also like to 05:44.170 --> 05:46.226 recognize our distinguished guests . 05:46.226 --> 05:48.337 Please hold your applause until the , 05:48.337 --> 05:48.019 after the last distinguished guest is 05:48.019 --> 05:50.660 recognized . Deputy Commander 557th 05:50.660 --> 05:52.938 Weather Wing , Colonel Sarah Zimmerman . 05:53.910 --> 05:55.854 Command Chief 527th Weather Wing , 05:55.854 --> 05:57.910 Chief Master Sergeant Daniel Perry . 05:58.399 --> 06:00.399 Technical director of 557th Weather 06:00.399 --> 06:02.288 Wing , Mr . Chris Fenningsmeyer . 06:02.720 --> 06:04.553 Commander of 2nd Weather Group , 06:04.553 --> 06:07.390 Colonel Andrew Frey . Fire . 06:09.410 --> 06:13.239 I don't do that . The mess . 06:14.220 --> 06:16.609 Did I mess it up already ? It's the 06:16.609 --> 06:18.831 first weather group change of command , 06:18.831 --> 06:20.559 we'll be all right . Uh 06:24.609 --> 06:26.720 Senior Deputy Commander , 2nd Weather 06:26.720 --> 06:28.665 Group , Lieutenant Colonel Michael 06:28.665 --> 06:30.831 Gruber . Senior enlisted leaders , 2nd 06:30.831 --> 06:32.665 Weather Group Chief Chief Master 06:32.665 --> 06:34.609 Sergeant William Casky , technical 06:34.609 --> 06:36.609 Director , 2nd Weather Group , Mr . 06:36.609 --> 06:38.831 Chris Weaver , Deputy commander for the 06:38.831 --> 06:40.998 1st Weather Group , Lieutenant Colonel 06:40.998 --> 06:42.942 Morton Bartlett . Chief Operations 06:42.942 --> 06:44.887 First Weather Group , Mr . Jeffrey 06:44.887 --> 06:46.553 Freeze , Deputy Chief Weather 06:46.553 --> 06:48.831 Operations Division Air Combat Command , 06:48.831 --> 06:50.998 Lieutenant Colonel Dan Michael Coyne , 06:50.998 --> 06:52.776 former 57th Weather Wing Deputy 06:52.776 --> 06:55.029 Commander , Colonel Matthew Sattler . 06:55.929 --> 06:57.929 United States Air Force retired and 06:57.929 --> 06:59.707 then former First Weather Group 06:59.707 --> 07:01.929 commander Colonel Travis Steen , United 07:01.929 --> 07:03.929 States Air Force retired Lieutenant 07:03.929 --> 07:06.096 Colonel Charles Dorsum . United States 07:06.096 --> 07:08.040 Air Force retired and last but not 07:08.040 --> 07:07.929 least , we extend a special welcome to 07:07.929 --> 07:10.929 all commanders , directors , spouses , 07:11.049 --> 07:13.216 friends , and the men and women of the 07:13.216 --> 07:15.327 57th Weather Wing . Welcome and thank 07:15.327 --> 07:17.271 you for joining us at this special 07:17.271 --> 07:16.720 event , especially Second Weather Group . 07:16.809 --> 07:17.865 Sorry about that . 07:28.359 --> 07:30.470 Ladies and gentlemen , it is an honor 07:30.470 --> 07:32.359 to introduce you to our presiding 07:32.359 --> 07:34.248 officer , Colonel Hank Chilcoat , 07:34.248 --> 07:36.137 commander of 557th Weather Wing . 07:44.529 --> 07:47.399 I can sit back there , huh ? All right , 07:47.470 --> 07:49.581 ladies and gentlemen , good morning . 07:49.600 --> 07:52.720 Glad Sergeant Johnson's got the crowd 07:52.720 --> 07:55.519 all warmed up for me . Uh , what a 07:55.519 --> 07:58.600 historic day for the 557 weather wing . 07:59.510 --> 08:01.454 As we get to welcome Colonel Chris 08:01.454 --> 08:03.489 Wireman , his wife Kelly . As we 08:03.489 --> 08:05.656 perform this assumption of command for 08:05.656 --> 08:07.600 the Air Force's one and only First 08:07.600 --> 08:10.750 Weather Group . Chris Kelly . Welcome 08:10.750 --> 08:13.989 to Omaha , Nebraska . I know you guys 08:13.989 --> 08:16.156 have only been here for 4 days , but I 08:16.156 --> 08:17.878 think you've seen everything . 08:19.920 --> 08:23.559 Cornfields and concrete . Uh , the 08:23.559 --> 08:25.559 weather has certainly been atypical 08:25.559 --> 08:27.781 since you've been here and I appreciate 08:27.781 --> 08:29.726 that . Um , I'll , I'll warn you , 08:29.726 --> 08:31.837 there's going to be plenty of weather 08:31.837 --> 08:31.649 jokes that people are going to tell you , 08:32.000 --> 08:34.239 um , but about Nebraska , but the , 08:34.320 --> 08:36.598 these aren't jokes . This is the truth . 08:37.260 --> 08:39.427 Uh , for example , there are 3 seasons 08:39.427 --> 08:42.940 in Nebraska , summer , winter , and 08:42.940 --> 08:43.840 construction . 08:47.330 --> 08:49.497 Another one is , if you don't like the 08:49.497 --> 08:51.497 weather , just wait a few minutes , 08:51.497 --> 08:53.719 it'll change . Honestly , it's the only 08:53.719 --> 08:55.552 place I've seen , uh , where I'm 08:55.552 --> 08:57.663 driving down Interstate 80 in March , 08:57.663 --> 08:59.774 the end of March when it's 80 degrees 08:59.774 --> 09:01.941 and sunny , and there's , uh , there's 09:01.941 --> 09:03.830 blinking signs that say caution , 09:03.830 --> 09:05.774 blizzard warning tomorrow . Do not 09:05.774 --> 09:07.941 travel . You guys remember that last , 09:07.941 --> 09:10.108 last March ? However , something about 09:10.108 --> 09:12.108 this place just makes you feel like 09:12.108 --> 09:14.441 home , and if you haven't felt that yet , 09:14.441 --> 09:18.239 you will . Commanders , chiefs , SELs . 09:19.150 --> 09:21.261 First sergeants , directors , all our 09:21.261 --> 09:23.150 distinguished guests , family and 09:23.150 --> 09:25.317 friends that travel from out of town , 09:25.317 --> 09:27.428 and of course , all the men and women 09:27.428 --> 09:29.539 of the 557th Weather Wing , America's 09:29.539 --> 09:31.650 only weather wing . Welcome and thank 09:31.650 --> 09:33.761 you for being here . Retired Colonels 09:33.761 --> 09:36.549 Matt Sattler . Travis Steen , there you 09:36.549 --> 09:38.605 are right there , right in front and 09:38.605 --> 09:40.716 center . Uh , Colonel Stein , I don't 09:40.716 --> 09:42.771 know if I can call you Travis . It's 09:42.771 --> 09:44.882 kind of weird . But it's great to see 09:44.882 --> 09:47.105 you . If you , if you guys don't know , 09:47.105 --> 09:48.938 uh , Colonel Zimmerman , Colonel 09:48.938 --> 09:51.049 Wireman , and myself , uh , we're all 09:51.049 --> 09:50.619 squadron commanders under , under 09:50.619 --> 09:53.270 Travis , uh , under Colonel Steen . I 09:53.270 --> 09:56.929 just did , I did it . I , I'd like to 09:56.929 --> 09:58.818 say I've matured since then , but 09:58.818 --> 10:00.873 that's not the truth . If anything , 10:00.873 --> 10:02.929 we've gotten a lot worse . So , um , 10:02.929 --> 10:04.985 we'll see that in the next few weeks 10:04.985 --> 10:07.096 play out . Lieutenant Colonel Coyne , 10:07.096 --> 10:08.985 there you are , Mike . Thanks for 10:08.985 --> 10:11.040 joining and representing the ACC . I 10:11.040 --> 10:10.190 know Colonel Jerry couldn't be here 10:10.190 --> 10:12.729 today . Um , very special day for 10:12.729 --> 10:14.919 Colonel Wireman and his family , uh , 10:15.039 --> 10:17.206 something that we'll always remember . 10:17.206 --> 10:19.150 Now , the fact that we're doing an 10:19.150 --> 10:21.150 assumption of command in January is 10:21.150 --> 10:23.150 unusual , but a lot about this past 10:23.150 --> 10:25.206 year has been unusual . However , we 10:25.206 --> 10:27.206 are absolutely stoked that Chris is 10:27.206 --> 10:29.428 joining the team , even though it comes 10:29.428 --> 10:31.595 with some sacrifices for him and Kelly 10:31.595 --> 10:33.650 over the next 5 to 6 months as Kelly 10:33.650 --> 10:35.650 will stay in , in Virginia as Carly 10:35.650 --> 10:37.983 finishes her senior year in high school . 10:37.983 --> 10:39.761 But Kelly and Carly , if you're 10:39.761 --> 10:41.539 watching online , thank you for 10:41.539 --> 10:43.761 supporting your husband , your father , 10:43.761 --> 10:45.706 and everything you do to make Team 10:45.706 --> 10:47.872 Wireman work . It's awesome . Before I 10:47.872 --> 10:50.039 go any further , I'd like to recognize 10:50.039 --> 10:49.590 the individuals that put on this 10:49.590 --> 10:51.989 ceremony this morning . Our action 10:51.989 --> 10:54.100 officers , Sergeant Carter , Sergeant 10:54.100 --> 10:56.156 Finley , where are you at , Sergeant 10:56.156 --> 10:55.380 Carter ? There you are . Sergeant 10:55.380 --> 10:57.547 Finley , you in here ? There you are . 10:57.547 --> 10:59.658 Hey , thanks . A lot of hard work and 10:59.658 --> 11:01.769 effort goes into this . Everyone that 11:01.769 --> 11:03.769 works behind the scenes , including 11:03.769 --> 11:05.936 Captain Jordan Worth , Captain Natalie 11:05.936 --> 11:08.690 Worth , Mr . Randy Nelson , who , uh , 11:08.809 --> 11:10.880 who has prepared an amazing , uh , 11:11.099 --> 11:13.700 event afterwards , Mass Sergeant Maddox 11:13.859 --> 11:16.140 and all the escorts and the rest of the 11:16.140 --> 11:18.820 watchdogs , thank you to our chaplain , 11:19.020 --> 11:20.964 thank you for supporting the , the 11:20.964 --> 11:23.076 group in the wing . Sergeant Leslie , 11:23.076 --> 11:25.849 did he bail ? Sergeant Leslie's not 11:25.849 --> 11:27.849 even a part of this wing , but he's 11:27.849 --> 11:30.071 starting to become one . So , um , he's 11:30.071 --> 11:32.238 our go to guy for singing the national 11:32.238 --> 11:34.016 anthem , but it's a a fantastic 11:34.016 --> 11:36.238 rendition , Sergeant Leslie . To the Of 11:36.238 --> 11:38.238 Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard , 11:38.238 --> 11:37.679 thank you for taking time to honor our 11:37.679 --> 11:39.790 nation's colors . You guys look sharp 11:39.790 --> 11:41.957 as always . To our narrator , Sergeant 11:41.957 --> 11:44.123 Johnson , thank you . Now , I know you 11:44.123 --> 11:46.179 love the mic emceeing parties , uh , 11:46.179 --> 11:48.235 specifically our holiday party a few 11:48.235 --> 11:50.512 weeks ago . The only thing I asked you , 11:50.512 --> 11:52.623 ask from you today is just please try 11:52.623 --> 11:56.289 to stick to the script . Just this one 11:56.289 --> 11:59.799 time , he says . To the rest of the 11:59.799 --> 12:01.910 fifty-fifth wing colleagues , for our 12:01.910 --> 12:04.243 PA colleagues , our protocol colleagues , 12:04.243 --> 12:06.132 CE that helped us get this , uh , 12:06.132 --> 12:08.466 temperature regulated in the auditorium , 12:08.466 --> 12:10.466 and normally it's about 100 degrees 12:10.466 --> 12:10.320 this time of year , so this has been 12:10.320 --> 12:13.349 perfect . So thank you . Now I've had 12:13.349 --> 12:15.405 the opportunity to officiate several 12:15.405 --> 12:17.460 changes of commands over the past 18 12:17.460 --> 12:19.627 months , but this is the first time as 12:19.627 --> 12:21.460 a wing commander . Uh , and more 12:21.460 --> 12:23.238 importantly , this is the first 12:23.238 --> 12:25.016 assumption of command that I've 12:25.016 --> 12:27.182 officiated . So this will be different 12:27.182 --> 12:29.460 and hopefully shorter , but being , uh , 12:29.460 --> 12:31.516 the presiding officer and really the 12:31.516 --> 12:33.516 outgoing commander of last year , I 12:33.516 --> 12:35.571 feel like I have , uh , time for two 12:35.571 --> 12:35.119 speeches . So my speech is going to be 12:35.119 --> 12:37.175 longer than normal , just to let you 12:37.175 --> 12:39.460 know . Now , had we done the change of 12:39.460 --> 12:41.516 command last summer , you would have 12:41.516 --> 12:43.849 heard from me as the outgoing commander . 12:43.849 --> 12:46.071 Uh , but if we did that today , meaning 12:46.071 --> 12:48.238 if I was the presiding officer and the 12:48.238 --> 12:48.200 out out outgoing commander , it'd be 12:48.200 --> 12:50.256 really weird , confusing , and super 12:50.256 --> 12:52.200 awkward , especially for Chief Pop 12:52.200 --> 12:54.311 passing that guide on around and like 12:54.311 --> 12:53.960 running around in circles . I don't , I 12:53.960 --> 12:56.071 don't know how we would do that . But 12:56.071 --> 12:58.127 let me , um , let me just take a few 12:58.127 --> 13:00.404 minutes to brag on First Weather Group . 13:00.659 --> 13:02.492 Starting with Lieutenant Colonel 13:02.492 --> 13:05.059 Bartlett . Chief Pop , Mr . Freeze , 13:05.960 --> 13:07.627 over the past 6 months , this 13:07.627 --> 13:09.071 powerhouse team has led a 13:09.071 --> 13:11.127 geographically group separated by 12 13:11.127 --> 13:13.799 time zones without an 06 . Morty , 13:14.159 --> 13:16.760 Chief , Mr . Freeze , thank you for 13:16.760 --> 13:19.190 your leadership , your sacrifices , and 13:19.190 --> 13:21.357 everything you do for this wing in the 13:21.357 --> 13:23.523 nation . I'm stoked that you're on the 13:23.523 --> 13:25.746 team , at least for a few more months , 13:25.746 --> 13:27.968 you and Chief Pop . Morty . To the rest 13:27.968 --> 13:29.968 of the watchdogs , any watchdogs in 13:29.968 --> 13:31.880 here . That was really sad . 13:34.719 --> 13:38.359 They normally bark but 13:39.710 --> 13:42.900 And watch puppies . Uh , wasn't in the 13:42.900 --> 13:45.233 script , Chief Fried . Mr . Freeze says . 13:45.570 --> 13:47.903 Uh , thank you for your dedication , um , 13:47.903 --> 13:49.626 watchdog's leadership and your 13:49.626 --> 13:51.626 willingness to continually evolve , 13:51.626 --> 13:53.514 innovate , and execute the orders 13:53.514 --> 13:53.500 necessary to move out on our wings 13:53.500 --> 13:55.722 mission and vision . To my squad to the 13:55.722 --> 13:57.889 squadron commanders and SELs in here . 13:58.049 --> 14:00.049 are sitting in the audience , their 14:00.049 --> 14:02.216 shirts , their absteins , their flight 14:02.216 --> 14:04.327 commanders , their flight chiefs that 14:04.327 --> 14:06.438 are watching online . I will tell you 14:06.438 --> 14:08.438 that leading an operational weather 14:08.438 --> 14:10.160 squadron is difficult . You're 14:10.160 --> 14:12.216 geographically separated from your , 14:12.216 --> 14:14.382 your , your fellow commanders and your 14:14.382 --> 14:16.382 SELs . The only time you really get 14:16.382 --> 14:18.549 together is these kind of events . You 14:18.549 --> 14:20.327 got 24/7 ops floors that you're 14:20.327 --> 14:22.493 orchestrating . You do that 365 days a 14:22.493 --> 14:24.549 year . You do it all while balancing 14:24.549 --> 14:26.605 current requirements and modernizing 14:26.605 --> 14:28.827 for future conflict . Teammates , thank 14:28.827 --> 14:31.070 you very much . Chris , you're 14:31.070 --> 14:33.070 inheriting a stacked team with your 14:33.070 --> 14:35.390 deputy , your chief , your technical 14:35.390 --> 14:37.390 director , your front office , your 14:37.390 --> 14:39.501 group staff , and impressive squadron 14:39.501 --> 14:42.250 command and ops teams . In just the 14:42.250 --> 14:44.489 past year , they've done impressive 14:44.489 --> 14:46.378 things in partnership with Second 14:46.378 --> 14:48.549 Weather Group and the entire wing , 14:49.130 --> 14:51.669 planning . And integrating with 14:51.669 --> 14:53.789 intelligence teams around the world , 14:54.169 --> 14:56.169 serving pivotal pivotal roles in 14:56.169 --> 14:58.210 executing the Air Force's largest 14:58.210 --> 15:00.321 operational exercise in the Pacific , 15:00.321 --> 15:02.321 RO PAC , leading in numerous bamboo 15:02.321 --> 15:05.200 eagle exercises . They were key to 15:05.200 --> 15:07.200 Operation Midnight Hammer in Iran , 15:07.559 --> 15:09.559 Operation Southern Spirit along our 15:09.559 --> 15:11.726 southern border , and then last week's 15:11.726 --> 15:13.837 historic Operation Absolute Resolve . 15:15.140 --> 15:18.020 Teammates , in my 22 years , I have 15:18.020 --> 15:20.429 never seen as much praise from general 15:20.429 --> 15:22.880 officers for Air Force weather . This 15:22.880 --> 15:25.599 wing and our role in planning and 15:25.599 --> 15:27.960 helping to execute the operation in 15:27.960 --> 15:31.210 Venezuela . 557 weather wing , my hat's 15:31.210 --> 15:33.210 off to you and the entire Air Force 15:33.210 --> 15:35.321 Weather enterprise . It was awesome . 15:36.250 --> 15:38.194 Additionally , First Weather Group 15:38.194 --> 15:40.083 airmen sailors , they facilitated 15:40.083 --> 15:42.194 numerous bomber task force missions , 15:42.194 --> 15:44.194 deterrence missions in Europe , the 15:44.194 --> 15:46.590 Pacific . South and Central America . 15:48.179 --> 15:50.179 Their teams stood watch 24/7 , 15:50.219 --> 15:52.108 providing resource protection for 15:52.108 --> 15:55.010 hundreds of Department of War bases and 15:55.010 --> 15:57.010 locations without weather support . 15:57.010 --> 15:58.899 They briefed tens of thousands of 15:58.899 --> 16:00.677 aircraft flying operational and 16:00.677 --> 16:02.843 training exercises and missions . They 16:02.843 --> 16:04.899 expanded support to the Arctic . And 16:04.899 --> 16:06.566 they ready forces for embassy 16:06.566 --> 16:09.159 evacuations in Africa . And they did 16:09.159 --> 16:11.840 all this while developing tactics and 16:11.840 --> 16:13.900 procedures to utilize all of the 6 16:13.900 --> 16:16.067 operational weather squadrons together 16:16.067 --> 16:17.950 to operate in a data- denied , 16:18.270 --> 16:20.603 intermittent , and limited environments . 16:21.679 --> 16:23.846 In developing weather as a non-kinetic 16:23.846 --> 16:26.109 capability . And lastly , generating 16:26.109 --> 16:28.109 insights on our adversary to ensure 16:28.109 --> 16:30.331 that we retain the decision advantage . 16:30.331 --> 16:32.665 First Weather Group , great job , and I , 16:32.665 --> 16:36.340 and I thank you . Now to say to say 16:36.340 --> 16:38.849 that we're excited to have Chris Kelly , 16:38.859 --> 16:42.260 and occasionally Carly . Her daughter , 16:42.409 --> 16:44.298 uh , joining the team is a huge . 16:44.760 --> 16:47.119 Understatement I've known the Wireman 16:47.119 --> 16:49.397 since 2010 , since Chris and I went to , 16:49.397 --> 16:51.619 uh , Naval Postgraduate school together 16:51.619 --> 16:53.675 16 years ago , and I'll be the first 16:53.675 --> 16:55.619 one to tell you that first weather 16:55.619 --> 16:57.675 group . You're getting a world-class 16:57.675 --> 16:59.508 leader , strategic thinker , and 16:59.508 --> 17:01.940 motivator . From day one , you're going 17:01.940 --> 17:03.940 to see his leadership in action and 17:03.940 --> 17:05.940 you're going to be quick to realize 17:05.940 --> 17:08.162 he'll make that previous commander look 17:08.162 --> 17:09.773 like a clown . That was me . 17:12.119 --> 17:14.529 Chris is joining us from ACC Air Combat 17:14.529 --> 17:16.696 Command , Joint Base Langley Eustace , 17:16.928 --> 17:19.039 where he led the weather requirements 17:19.039 --> 17:21.150 division for Major General Betts . He 17:21.150 --> 17:22.928 was responsible responsible for 17:22.928 --> 17:24.706 developing , prioritizing , and 17:24.706 --> 17:26.817 staffing all the requirements for Air 17:26.817 --> 17:28.928 Force weather in our weapons system . 17:28.928 --> 17:30.817 He and his team has worked really 17:30.817 --> 17:33.095 closely with LCMC , our program office , 17:33.095 --> 17:34.817 and have accelerated our cloud 17:34.817 --> 17:37.039 migration , which I believe is the most 17:37.039 --> 17:39.410 progress we've seen in years . He's led 17:39.410 --> 17:41.577 at all levels , including the flight , 17:41.577 --> 17:43.979 squadron , Matchcom . He has a ton of 17:43.979 --> 17:46.146 experience serving in serving in joint 17:46.146 --> 17:48.312 partners , serving with joint partners 17:48.312 --> 17:50.660 both in garrison and deployed . Now , I 17:50.660 --> 17:52.716 had the pleasure to promote Chris to 17:52.716 --> 17:54.729 colonel about 18 months ago . And 17:54.729 --> 17:56.896 although we had a lot of laughs at the 17:56.896 --> 17:58.729 ceremony because he's one of the 17:58.729 --> 18:00.896 funniest guys I know . I spent most of 18:00.896 --> 18:02.951 the time reiterating to the audience 18:02.951 --> 18:05.062 how great of a leader and of a person 18:05.062 --> 18:08.130 he really is . Chris , you're the exact 18:08.130 --> 18:10.199 leader this group , our wing and the 18:10.199 --> 18:12.479 Air Force needs right now . You have 18:12.479 --> 18:14.599 been trained and perfectly shaped by 18:14.599 --> 18:16.710 all your experiences over the past 22 18:16.710 --> 18:19.043 years , both operational and individual , 18:19.280 --> 18:21.391 to lead this group during some of the 18:21.391 --> 18:23.613 toughest and most challenging times our 18:23.613 --> 18:26.000 nation has ever faced . Your group 18:26.380 --> 18:28.660 alongside Second Weather Group and our 18:28.660 --> 18:30.882 entire wing will be critical in the Air 18:30.882 --> 18:32.827 Force's efforts to demonstrate our 18:32.827 --> 18:34.716 readiness , our agility , and our 18:34.716 --> 18:36.882 capability to deter and if required to 18:36.882 --> 18:39.550 prevail in conflict . We will continue 18:39.550 --> 18:42.680 to move beyond our functional silos to 18:42.680 --> 18:44.660 adopt a problem-centric approach , 18:45.359 --> 18:47.979 integrating across air components , air 18:47.979 --> 18:49.979 operations centers , and with other 18:49.979 --> 18:51.923 16th Air Force partners to further 18:51.923 --> 18:53.757 develop weather as a non-kinetic 18:53.757 --> 18:56.130 capability to soften the battle space , 18:56.359 --> 18:58.081 and to evolve our wing into an 18:58.081 --> 19:00.192 integrated warfighting organization , 19:00.192 --> 19:02.119 leveraging the environment to win 19:02.119 --> 19:04.780 across the spectrum of conflict . We 19:04.780 --> 19:07.002 will continue to shift our focus to the 19:07.002 --> 19:09.660 adversary , embodying our wings motto , 19:09.979 --> 19:11.939 weather drives behavior . Know the 19:11.939 --> 19:14.020 weather , you know the you know the 19:14.020 --> 19:16.920 weather , you know the decision . Our 19:16.920 --> 19:18.920 adversaries are playing an infinite 19:18.920 --> 19:21.839 game . A finite mindset will will 19:21.839 --> 19:24.540 inevitably , inevitably lead to a loss . 19:24.880 --> 19:26.824 And know , and for those that know 19:26.824 --> 19:28.991 Chris and me , you know that we really 19:28.991 --> 19:31.047 don't like to lose , especially when 19:31.047 --> 19:33.158 watching the Baltimore Ravens lose to 19:33.158 --> 19:35.213 the Pittsburgh Steelers twice in one 19:35.213 --> 19:37.436 year . I see you , I see you , Kurt and 19:37.436 --> 19:39.890 Eric . You know , I , um , for my 19:39.890 --> 19:42.057 assumption of command , I , I couldn't 19:42.057 --> 19:44.001 be , uh , more off when I said the 19:44.001 --> 19:43.979 Ravens were going to win the Super Bowl 19:43.979 --> 19:46.146 at last year's assumption of command . 19:46.146 --> 19:48.257 I'm , I'm pretty sure I , I've cursed 19:48.257 --> 19:50.035 the Baltimore Ravens . So Coach 19:50.035 --> 19:52.979 Harbaugh , I'm sorry . All right , let 19:52.979 --> 19:55.146 me , uh , let me leave you with this . 19:55.146 --> 19:57.257 Weather wing warriors , first weather 19:57.257 --> 19:59.479 group , we must do our part for the Air 19:59.479 --> 20:01.650 Force and our nation to ensure we're 20:01.650 --> 20:03.719 providing the weather to win wars . 20:04.140 --> 20:06.196 Chris and Kelly , welcome to Omaha , 20:06.196 --> 20:08.609 Nebraska . Kirsty and I and the entire 20:08.609 --> 20:11.520 wing are so glad you're here . Colonel 20:11.520 --> 20:13.920 Wireman , first weather group , 557 20:13.920 --> 20:17.800 weather wing . Let's win . Hey you guys . 20:32.530 --> 20:34.752 He's a lot taller than me . Thank you , 20:34.752 --> 20:36.919 Colonel Chico . Ladies and gentlemen , 20:36.919 --> 20:38.863 please stand for the assumption of 20:38.863 --> 20:39.919 command ceremony . 20:45.880 --> 20:48.949 Publish the order . Attention to orders . 20:49.280 --> 20:53.250 Special Order 25-003 by 20:53.250 --> 20:55.670 direction of the president . Colonel 20:55.670 --> 20:57.726 Christopher S . Wireman is appointed 20:57.726 --> 20:59.781 commander first Weather Group off at 20:59.781 --> 21:01.892 Air Force Base , Nebraska , effective 21:01.892 --> 21:04.550 13 January 2026 . Authority , 21:04.709 --> 21:06.376 Department of the Air Force , 21:06.376 --> 21:08.780 instruction 51-509 . 21:28.750 --> 21:29.349 Sir , I 21:52.810 --> 21:55.143 Ladies and gentlemen , please be seated . 21:55.143 --> 21:57.199 I now present to you the commander , 21:57.199 --> 21:58.866 first Weather Group , Colonel 21:58.866 --> 21:58.689 Christopher Wireman . 22:06.280 --> 22:08.391 All right . Good morning , everyone . 22:08.391 --> 22:10.502 There's a lot more people here than , 22:10.502 --> 22:13.630 than I expected , uh . Everybody's just 22:13.630 --> 22:15.852 trying to make sure that this is really 22:15.852 --> 22:18.589 happening , OK , uh , so look , I'd 22:18.589 --> 22:20.719 like to extend , uh , my heartfelt 22:20.719 --> 22:22.719 thanks to all of you for being here 22:22.719 --> 22:24.941 today to celebrate , uh , this day with 22:24.941 --> 22:27.163 First Weather Group , uh , the team and 22:27.163 --> 22:29.497 Team Wireman . To all fellow commanders , 22:29.497 --> 22:31.219 chiefs , first sergeants , and 22:31.219 --> 22:33.275 directors , thank you for being here 22:33.275 --> 22:35.608 today . Uh , it's great to have with us , 22:35.608 --> 22:37.830 uh , the former deputy commander of the 22:37.830 --> 22:39.886 557th Weather Wing , Colonel retired 22:39.886 --> 22:42.108 Matt Sadler , back home in the building 22:42.108 --> 22:44.330 today . Uh , great to have former First 22:44.330 --> 22:43.939 Weather Group commander Colonel retired 22:43.939 --> 22:45.995 Travis Dean here today , and as , as 22:45.995 --> 22:47.939 Colonel Chilco mentioned , it's no 22:47.939 --> 22:50.161 coincidence that under his leadership , 22:50.161 --> 22:52.180 3 of his 6 squadron commanders are 22:52.180 --> 22:53.902 sitting here today as the wing 22:53.902 --> 22:56.124 commander , deputy commander , uh , and 22:56.124 --> 22:58.236 now a group commander . I'd also like 22:58.236 --> 23:00.236 to thank my friend and lead command 23:00.236 --> 23:00.040 teammate for being here today , acting 23:00.040 --> 23:02.151 ACC Weather Operations Division Chief 23:02.151 --> 23:04.609 Lieutenant Colonel Mike Coyne , and my 23:04.609 --> 23:06.887 great friend and former TCAS commander , 23:07.010 --> 23:09.232 Lieutenant Colonel retired Chuck Dorsum 23:09.232 --> 23:11.566 sitting here . And I also saw coming in , 23:11.566 --> 23:13.399 uh , which was not on the list , 23:13.399 --> 23:15.621 Lieutenant Colonel Beth Jansen , former 23:15.621 --> 23:17.454 28 OWS commander , uh , now ROTC 23:17.454 --> 23:19.677 commander up at UNO . Great to have you 23:19.677 --> 23:21.566 here , Beth . Thanks , thanks for 23:21.566 --> 23:23.732 coming . Um , and a final shout out to 23:23.732 --> 23:25.732 all that's , that's watching online 23:25.732 --> 23:27.788 today , uh , from across the globe . 23:27.989 --> 23:30.550 It's also rare to have the command 23:30.550 --> 23:33.030 teams from across the entire wing , uh , 23:33.150 --> 23:35.150 here at off at all at one time . So 23:35.150 --> 23:37.150 it's great to have the leaders from 23:37.150 --> 23:38.928 both groups , uh , here today , 23:38.928 --> 23:41.094 including the command teams from the 6 23:41.094 --> 23:43.150 operational , uh , weather squadrons 23:43.150 --> 23:45.372 representing the over 800 airmen . Uh , 23:45.372 --> 23:45.349 and First Weather Group who as we sit 23:45.349 --> 23:48.949 here right now are executing their 24/7 23:48.949 --> 23:51.060 global weather operations mission and 23:51.060 --> 23:52.893 delivering decision advantage to 23:52.893 --> 23:54.893 commanders across the joint force . 23:54.949 --> 23:57.670 Every time news breaks , uh , of a 23:57.670 --> 23:59.892 military operation somewhere across the 23:59.892 --> 24:01.948 globe , it's almost certain that the 24:01.948 --> 24:04.003 men and women of First Weather Group 24:04.003 --> 24:06.114 had a part in its , uh , overwhelming 24:06.114 --> 24:08.226 success . I have immense admiration , 24:08.226 --> 24:10.337 uh , for the invaluable contributions 24:10.337 --> 24:12.614 our operational weather squadrons make . 24:12.614 --> 24:14.781 To the United States Air Force and the 24:14.781 --> 24:16.670 Department of War . So changes of 24:16.670 --> 24:19.069 command are extraordinarily important 24:19.069 --> 24:21.390 part of our , uh , military heritage , 24:21.670 --> 24:23.530 and these events while appearing 24:23.839 --> 24:26.229 seamless to the audience , start with 24:26.229 --> 24:28.349 planning several months , uh , before 24:28.349 --> 24:30.349 actual execution , and usually they 24:30.349 --> 24:32.571 happen in the summer , as Colonel Chico 24:32.571 --> 24:34.738 mentioned , but with a somewhat unique 24:34.738 --> 24:36.905 timing . The planning and coordination 24:36.905 --> 24:39.127 for this event was occurring before and 24:39.127 --> 24:41.293 throughout the holidays . So I want to 24:41.293 --> 24:43.238 thank those , uh , that made today 24:43.238 --> 24:45.127 happen . First to Master Sergeant 24:45.127 --> 24:47.182 Kendrick Carter from solidifying the 24:47.182 --> 24:49.293 initial details of the , of the who , 24:49.293 --> 24:51.516 what , when , where . And often waiting 24:51.516 --> 24:53.738 on me to provide her information , uh , 24:53.738 --> 24:55.793 to squaring away the details of game 24:55.793 --> 24:58.016 day today . Kendra led the way , but it 24:58.016 --> 25:00.127 takes a team effort , uh , to make it 25:00.127 --> 25:02.293 special . So thanks to Master Sergeant 25:02.293 --> 25:04.516 Finley , Matt Sergeant Johnson , Master 25:04.516 --> 25:06.849 Sergeant Maddox , Staff Sergeant Leslie , 25:06.849 --> 25:08.793 Mr . Randy Nelson , and her off at 25:08.793 --> 25:10.905 teammates , Chaplain Gaida , the base 25:10.905 --> 25:10.729 honor guard , and the public affairs 25:10.729 --> 25:12.785 and protocol teams . To all of you , 25:13.030 --> 25:15.209 flawlessly done , thank you for making 25:15.209 --> 25:17.431 today a special day . Round of applause 25:17.431 --> 25:17.000 please . 25:25.099 --> 25:27.210 Colonel Chilcoat , sir , thanks for , 25:27.210 --> 25:29.432 uh , taking this , uh , thanks for this 25:29.432 --> 25:31.377 amazing opportunity and to you and 25:31.377 --> 25:34.020 Kirsty for your warm welcome . So as 25:34.020 --> 25:36.131 Colonel Chilco mentioned 15 years ago 25:36.131 --> 25:38.298 today , uh , Colonel Chilco and I were 25:38.298 --> 25:40.131 classmates together at the Naval 25:40.131 --> 25:42.353 Postgraduate School . And at the time , 25:42.353 --> 25:44.631 I was a a year group ahead of him , uh , 25:44.631 --> 25:46.742 sharing a cubicle with him and taking 25:46.742 --> 25:48.909 him to school both on and off the golf 25:48.909 --> 25:52.739 course , um . Uh , so now I'm a year 25:52.739 --> 25:54.795 group behind him , calling him sir , 25:54.795 --> 25:56.906 and just assume command of a group in 25:56.906 --> 25:59.128 his wing , as the kids say , life comes 25:59.128 --> 26:02.439 at you fast . Sir , thanks for , uh , 26:02.560 --> 26:04.338 thanks for having the trust and 26:04.338 --> 26:06.560 confidence in me to lead this group and 26:06.560 --> 26:08.560 our greatest asset , the airmen and 26:08.560 --> 26:10.727 their families . I don't think the Air 26:10.727 --> 26:12.893 Force truly understands that the 557th 26:12.893 --> 26:14.893 Weather Wing is now America's dream 26:14.893 --> 26:17.160 team . There's no way to overstate how 26:17.160 --> 26:20.239 lucky that I consider myself , uh , to 26:20.239 --> 26:22.572 work with Colonels Chilcoat , Zimmerman , 26:22.599 --> 26:26.439 Fry . And Mr . Fittingsmeyer and 26:26.439 --> 26:28.106 Chief Perry , all of whom are 26:28.106 --> 26:30.272 incredible leaders that I've known for 26:30.272 --> 26:32.760 most , if not all of my career . 22 26:32.760 --> 26:34.982 years in the Air Force , and I've never 26:34.982 --> 26:38.109 been more excited to join a team . And 26:38.109 --> 26:40.220 there's no doubt that uh I'm standing 26:40.220 --> 26:42.387 here today because of of my incredible 26:42.387 --> 26:44.553 family . I know that they'd love to be 26:44.553 --> 26:46.387 here today , but to my parents , 26:46.387 --> 26:48.498 Lieutenant Colonel retired Dudley and 26:48.498 --> 26:50.665 Cathy Wireman , if I was ranking there 26:50.665 --> 26:50.199 just to see if they'll still call me 26:50.199 --> 26:54.160 sir , uh , my , my sister , uh , Amber , 26:54.239 --> 26:57.119 her husband Tim . My niece and nephews , 26:57.280 --> 26:59.113 Landon and Cameron and Addison , 26:59.160 --> 27:01.049 Kelly's parents , Ernie and Carol 27:01.049 --> 27:03.104 Pollard , and Travis and Lauren , to 27:03.104 --> 27:05.327 all of them , Omaha steaks , uh , await 27:05.327 --> 27:07.160 you for when you guys come out , 27:07.160 --> 27:09.049 probably in the summer sometime . 27:09.229 --> 27:11.451 Without a doubt , Kelly and I are gonna 27:11.451 --> 27:13.396 look back at this move , uh , as a 27:13.396 --> 27:15.673 highlight of our time in the Air Force . 27:15.673 --> 27:17.840 Moving regardless of the circumstances 27:17.840 --> 27:19.785 that surround it is a good test of 27:19.785 --> 27:22.007 patience and resilience in any marriage 27:22.007 --> 27:23.951 and family , uh , and family , but 27:23.951 --> 27:26.285 throughout my 22 years in the Air Force , 27:26.285 --> 27:28.618 Kelly has been our family's steady rock , 27:28.618 --> 27:30.729 and this moves a little different for 27:30.729 --> 27:32.896 us . Uh , she'll head back to Virginia 27:32.896 --> 27:35.118 this weekend . Until the summer , or as 27:35.118 --> 27:37.285 she said it this week when she saw the 27:37.285 --> 27:36.849 temperatures coming up this weekend , 27:36.969 --> 27:39.025 she's gonna call Virginia her winter 27:39.025 --> 27:41.479 house . Uh , like families across the 27:41.479 --> 27:43.760 Air Force , nothing we could do happens 27:43.760 --> 27:45.927 without the sacrifices that we ask our 27:45.927 --> 27:48.038 families to make . So our 17 year old 27:48.038 --> 27:49.982 daughter is finishing up her final 27:49.982 --> 27:51.982 semester of high school this year . 27:51.982 --> 27:51.959 Carly is an incredible kid , great 27:51.959 --> 27:54.130 student , but I'm in the dad dog house 27:54.130 --> 27:56.130 this week because she didn't get to 27:56.130 --> 27:58.074 come out to , uh , to Nebraska for 27:58.074 --> 28:00.074 today's ceremony , which you should 28:00.074 --> 28:02.130 interpret as she's mad that I didn't 28:02.130 --> 28:04.619 let her skip school . Just in case that 28:04.619 --> 28:06.897 she can watch this video and I see the , 28:06.897 --> 28:08.952 the cameras up there , special shout 28:08.952 --> 28:11.286 out to her . So Carly , uh , I love you . 28:11.286 --> 28:13.397 Now go get your homework done and get 28:13.397 --> 28:15.452 your room cleaned . What teenager is 28:15.452 --> 28:17.619 not going to love that special message 28:17.619 --> 28:19.841 on the on TV ? After Colonel Choco took 28:19.841 --> 28:21.730 command of the wing last summer , 28:21.730 --> 28:23.952 there's been another leader that's been 28:23.952 --> 28:23.770 guiding this group until I could arrive , 28:23.880 --> 28:25.880 Lieutenant Colonel Morty Bartlett . 28:26.010 --> 28:27.454 Leading a group is a huge 28:27.454 --> 28:29.729 responsibility and so imagine doing it 28:29.729 --> 28:32.050 as a lieutenant colonel acting as both 28:32.050 --> 28:34.239 the commander and your own deputy . 28:34.650 --> 28:36.594 Morty had Colonel Chilco's highest 28:36.594 --> 28:38.594 trust and confidence to do so , and 28:38.594 --> 28:41.229 he's done an outstanding job . It truly 28:41.510 --> 28:43.510 has been seamless walking into this 28:43.510 --> 28:45.510 high performing team . So thank you 28:45.510 --> 28:47.566 Morty for stepping up and leading to 28:47.566 --> 28:49.732 the helm over the last 6 months . Your 28:49.732 --> 28:52.630 leave is approved . No one's happier 28:52.630 --> 28:55.069 than me , That's right . To Chief 28:55.069 --> 28:56.847 Popovich , I'm excited to serve 28:56.847 --> 28:58.847 alongside you over the next several 28:58.847 --> 29:01.013 months before you head out to your own 29:01.013 --> 29:03.236 next Air Force assignment . We've got , 29:03.236 --> 29:05.347 uh , a lot of time together coming up 29:05.347 --> 29:05.109 on the travel schedule , and I look 29:05.109 --> 29:07.220 forward to our conversations and your 29:07.220 --> 29:09.390 insights . I can't promise that I have 29:09.390 --> 29:12.750 the same extreme non-caffeinated high 29:12.750 --> 29:14.972 energy level as Colonel Chilcoat , uh , 29:14.972 --> 29:16.861 but I will promise you that we'll 29:16.861 --> 29:18.917 achieve similar success as you did , 29:18.917 --> 29:20.861 you and he did , especially on the 29:20.861 --> 29:23.989 pickleball court . All right . Our 29:23.989 --> 29:26.670 operational success is predicated among 29:26.670 --> 29:29.449 the is predicated on the amazing 29:29.449 --> 29:31.671 partnerships from our host installation 29:31.671 --> 29:33.449 teammates providing support and 29:33.449 --> 29:35.616 resources to our airmen that they need 29:35.616 --> 29:38.030 to get the mission done . The 557th 29:38.030 --> 29:40.086 Weather Wing is lucky to call off at 29:40.086 --> 29:42.819 Air Force Base its home . The 55th wing 29:42.819 --> 29:44.652 here are tremendous partners and 29:44.652 --> 29:47.619 likewise across the globe our six 29:47.619 --> 29:49.563 operational weather squadrons have 29:49.563 --> 29:51.675 similar relationships with their host 29:51.675 --> 29:53.619 wings at Scott Hickam , Ramstein , 29:53.619 --> 29:55.841 Davis Monton , Barksdale , and Shaw Air 29:55.841 --> 29:58.063 Force Base . We appreciate the constant 29:58.063 --> 29:59.897 and steadfast support that those 29:59.897 --> 30:02.119 installations provide so our airmen can 30:02.119 --> 30:04.630 execute their 24/7 mission . And 30:04.630 --> 30:06.852 finally , to the airmen and sailors and 30:06.852 --> 30:09.030 families of First Weather Group , I 30:09.030 --> 30:12.069 cannot overstate how much of an honor 30:12.069 --> 30:13.791 and privilege it is to be your 30:13.791 --> 30:16.410 commander and your teammate . It's also 30:16.410 --> 30:19.170 not lost on me that this group brings a 30:19.170 --> 30:22.349 history steeped in lineage and heritage . 30:22.810 --> 30:24.890 We stand on the shoulders of giants 30:25.089 --> 30:27.033 that served in this group from its 30:27.033 --> 30:29.489 first activation in 1945 during World 30:29.489 --> 30:31.656 War Two stationed in the Philippines , 30:31.770 --> 30:34.760 from Japan to Vietnam to Georgia , from 30:34.760 --> 30:36.538 Georgia to Nebraska . The group 30:36.538 --> 30:38.589 inactivated and reactivated 4 times 30:38.589 --> 30:42.060 from 1945 until 2006 . When it was 30:42.060 --> 30:44.004 activated as part of the Air Force 30:44.004 --> 30:45.838 Weather agency and now the 557th 30:45.838 --> 30:48.089 weather wing , this year , not this 30:48.089 --> 30:50.310 year not only marks the 250th 30:50.310 --> 30:52.709 anniversary of our nation whose cloth 30:52.709 --> 30:55.250 that we proudly wear , but also the 20 30:55.250 --> 30:57.194 year anniversary of the latest and 30:57.194 --> 30:59.250 longest period of activation of this 30:59.250 --> 31:01.417 group . And we're gonna celebrate that 31:01.417 --> 31:03.417 anniversary on May 3rd . Today , 80 31:03.417 --> 31:05.083 years after the group's first 31:05.083 --> 31:06.939 activation , Airmen across First 31:06.939 --> 31:09.106 Weather Group maximize the Air Force's 31:09.106 --> 31:11.339 ability to deliver combat power and 31:11.339 --> 31:13.859 unmatched decision advantage . You do 31:13.859 --> 31:15.637 that each and every day through 31:15.637 --> 31:17.581 excellence and a drive towards the 31:17.581 --> 31:19.637 warrior culture and readiness spirit 31:19.637 --> 31:21.803 that our leaders expect and our nation 31:21.803 --> 31:24.020 demands . I'm excited to be a part of 31:24.020 --> 31:26.187 this wing that is forging the path for 31:26.187 --> 31:28.076 our weapons system to be a highly 31:28.076 --> 31:30.020 sought after capability within the 31:30.020 --> 31:32.660 joint force that can only happen 31:33.099 --> 31:35.266 because of your vital contributions to 31:35.266 --> 31:37.739 the overwhelming success of military 31:37.739 --> 31:40.400 operations across the globe . It also 31:40.400 --> 31:42.567 only happens because of the airmen who 31:42.567 --> 31:44.900 serve and the families who support them , 31:44.900 --> 31:47.067 and we will continue to support family 31:47.067 --> 31:49.178 readiness , develop our leaders , and 31:49.178 --> 31:51.344 ensure every airman knows they are the 31:51.344 --> 31:53.344 bedrock of our success . This is an 31:53.344 --> 31:55.456 exciting time to be part of the first 31:55.456 --> 31:57.456 Weather Group and the 557th weather 31:57.456 --> 31:59.456 wing , and we're about to write our 31:59.456 --> 32:01.622 part of its history . As Colonel Choco 32:01.622 --> 32:03.900 says , let's win . Thank you very much . 32:17.079 --> 32:19.023 Thank you , Colonel Wireman . As a 32:19.023 --> 32:21.079 welcome our new commander , we would 32:21.079 --> 32:23.190 like to extend a warm welcome to Ms . 32:23.190 --> 32:25.357 Wireman on behalf of the First Weather 32:25.357 --> 32:27.523 Group . Thank you for the sacrifices , 32:27.523 --> 32:27.310 uh , you will make for our group and 32:27.310 --> 32:29.366 that you've already made and to your 32:29.366 --> 32:31.477 family and entirely back home . Thank 32:31.477 --> 32:30.599 you so much . 32:38.589 --> 32:40.756 Ladies and gentlemen , the men and the 32:40.756 --> 32:42.811 women of the first weather group are 32:42.811 --> 32:42.239 honored to have Colonel Wireman assume 32:42.239 --> 32:44.569 his position as a commander . We invite 32:44.569 --> 32:46.402 everyone to attend the reception 32:46.402 --> 32:48.513 immediately following the ceremony in 32:48.513 --> 32:50.513 the atrium . Please remain in place 32:50.513 --> 32:52.625 until the conclusion of the Air Force 32:52.625 --> 32:54.402 song . And the departure of the 32:54.402 --> 32:53.869 official party and distinguished 32:53.869 --> 32:56.050 visitors and their families . Ladies 32:56.050 --> 32:59.599 and gentlemen , please stand . And join 32:59.599 --> 33:02.060 us in the singing of the Air Force song . 33:54.329 --> 33:54.339 OK .