Change of Command at the Heavy Airlift Wing

Szöveg: hungariandefence.com | 2011. június 26. 8:56

For the next three years, United States Air Force (USAF) Col. Keith Boone has assumed command of the Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW) stationed at the HDF Pápa Air Base. His predecessor, Col. John Zazworsky led the HAW for two and a half years. The current Vice Commander also leaves his post: Col. Frank Rombouts, Royal Netherlands Air Force has taken responsibilities of Vice Commander from Swedish Air Force Col. Fredrik Hedén. The change-of-command ceremony was held on June 17 at Pápa Air Base.

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In recognition of his service, Defence Minister Dr. Csaba Hende awarded the “Alliance" Service Medal to Col. John Zazworsky. The medal was presented by MoD Deputy State Secretary for Defence Economy Gábor Márki. Chief of Defence Gen. Dr. Tibor Benkő awarded a Hadik saber to the outgoing commander, which was presented by Deputy Chief of Defence Lt-Gen. Zoltán Orosz. Col. Zazworsky also received the prestigious US Legion of Merit.

Speaking at the change-of-command ceremony, Maj-Gen. Mark O. Schissler, the chairman of the NATO Strategic Airlift Capability Steering Board (SAC SB) pointed out that “The present change of command – an event of historic significance – opens a new chapter in the life of the Strategic Airlift Capability, which has reached 4,200 flight hours since the beginnings."

“Only five years have passed since the launch of the program, and the HAW has gone from vision to reality. I would like to thank the Hungarian government, the town of Pápa, the NATO member states and the Boeing company for their cooperation, because the SAC Program could not have been implemented without them" – said the chairman.

In his farewell speech Col. John Zazworsky – who was struggling to control his emotions – stressed that during the past two and a half years, the HAW, which incorporates various military cultures, has become a cohesive unit. “This would not have been possible without the inhabitants of Pápa" – he said.

Following the ceremony, Col. Miklós Domonkos, Commander, HDF Pápa Air Base told the press that the initial correct and collegial cooperation at the base had deepened into a friendship involving the leadership and family members as well.

“I enjoyed working together with Col. Zazworsky and consider him a great colleague. He has managed to achieve the aim he had set himself" – said Col. Domonkos about the outgoing commander.

In answering questions from the press, Col. Keith Boon said that in his opinion, the HAW has not yet reached the limits of its capabilities, so he intends to expand its mission set in the future.

The incoming commander has been serving with the US Air Force for more than 20 years. Most recently, Col. Boone was the Vice Commander of the 621st Contingency Response Wing, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, which provides specialized teams that extend air mobility infrastructure and establish initial airbase opening capability through forward deployment locations. A command pilot with over 4,100 flight hours, Col. Boone has flown C-130E and C-17A aircraft in numerous exercises and contingencies.

Col. Frank Rombouts’ most recently served in the Air Force Headquarters in Breda, the Netherlands, where he held the post of Head of the Operational Safety, Health and Environment Department of the Air Force. Col. Rombouts completed the C-17 Pilot Initial Qualification training in March. His total flying experience amounts to 3,500 hours, of which almost a thousand hours are on transport aircraft.