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The 375th Air Mobility Wing welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing, Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --   The 375th Air Mobility Wing welcomed its new commander, Col. David Almand, during a change of command ceremony today.

During the ceremony, the presiding officer, Lt. Gen. Mark F. Ramsay, 18th Air Force commander, accepted the guidon from Col. Michael Hornitschek as he relinquished command and passed it on to Almand to mark the beginning of his command of the 375th AMW.

Almand arrives from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., where he served as vice commander for the 6th Air Mobility Wing.

During the ceremony, Ramsay complimented Almand for his role in serving on the "tip of the spear" while leading the massive logistical efforts associated with U.S. operations in Southwest Asia. While at MacDill, the colonel also ensured the readiness of troops and aircraft for combatant commanders. That experience, alongside his expertise with personnel and international affairs makes him a well-qualified to lead the 375th, said the general.

In his first speech as the 375th AMW commander, Almand thanked Hornitschek, who will be retiring and staying in the local area.

"Mike, your leadership, vision and inspiration have been amazing," said Almand. "We are all grateful for the incredible, selfless efforts of the Hornitschek family. You made the 375th better, you ensured we are worthy of the faith of the American people."

He also thanked family and friends who were in attendance, including his parents, wife Cathy, and children Travis and Lance.

"So many people have helped me get to this position, but no one more than you and amazing grace. I am lucky to have the best family in the world. Cathy, Travis and Lance, I would not be here without you, and I could not do this without you. We are a Mobility Air Force family, and we are proud to finally call Scott home. It is a privilege for us to be a part of this great community. To all of you who helped us get to here, I commit to do my best everyday!

Almand then addressed the members of his new command.

"To my fellow members of the 375th, you look outstanding," he said. "This decisive time in history is now ours. It is time to lead boldly. Our Commander in Chief and Secretary of Defense have stated we are at a strategic turning point. We are reshaping our military to ensure we are agile, flexible and ready."

With this, the wing's newest commander seeks to make Scott an example of leadership.

"We will succeed at defining what this force structure looks like together," said Almand. "We will be more dependent on each other than ever before [because the] human spirit shines brightest and is most certain of purpose when we work together. We will continue to enable combat power and deliver hope. Our battle tested force will prevail."