375th AMW welcomes new commander Published June 25, 2010 By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 375th Air Mobility Wing welcomed their new commander, Col. Michael Hornitschek, during a change of command ceremony Friday. During the symbolic change of command, Lt. Gen. Robert Allardice, 18th Air Force commander, accepted the guidon from Col. Gary Goldstone as he relinquished command and passed it on to Colonel Hornitschek to mark the beginning of his command over the 375th AMW. Colonel Hornitschek is no stranger to Scott as he was previously assigned to the U.S. Transportation Command from 2000 to 2003. "When we left Scott AFB after our first assignment in 2003, Polly said to me, 'Mike, I'd be very happy to come back here again.' After 21 years and 10 different bases, this is still the only place to receive that stamp of approval, and should indicate to you how excited we are to return," he said. In his first address as the 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, Colonel Hornitschek, who arrives from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., where he served as the vice commander, talked of his love for his job and his goal to create an environment for all ranks and positions to excel in leadership. General Allardice complimented Colonel Hornitschek for his role in serving on the "edge of the spear" in the nation's surge requirements for Afghanistan. From McChord, the colonel worked many issues with getting troops to the combatant commanders, and that, along with his expertise with personnel, international affairs, and work at the Headquarter Air Force staff level makes him a well-qualified leader for the command here, said the general. "It is my commitment and obligation to you to create an environment that maximizes every military and civilian Airman's leadership potential," said our newest commander. "And so because the Airmen of the 375th will hear me repeat this many times in the months to come, I am putting you on notice that I declare this to be the 'Scott Campus' of 'Leadership University', and I ask you all to join me on an exciting leadership development journey. Together we will take care of the wing's mission and ensure the comprehensive fitness of our Airmen."