Change of Command in Pápa

Col. Rombouts took over command of the unit in 2013 as an officer of the Dutch Royal Air Force. As the outgoing commander told us about the beginnings in Pápa, when he was assigned here he though he would have an easy job, as the unit operated only three aircraft, and he had been in charge of much more before. But that had been at home, where he had known every procedure, the men and the culture. Everything was different here – 12 nations, 12 different culture. As he said, the Heavy Airlift Wing is a special and truly unique unit, and he was proud to be its commander. The Wing is known for its C-17 transport aircraft, and he is familiar with them, as he himself completed in 2011 the studies needed to pilot the type. The one in Hungary was Col. Rombouts’ last posting, as the outgoing commander who has close to 4,000 flight hours is now going to retire.

Col. Trevor W. Nitz, the new US commander of the unit started his career in Pápa as vice commander, together with his Dutch colleague. As he told us, when he was appointed vice commander here, he knew he would become commander one day. But when he was actually appointed, he got very excited to have this great opportunity, because this is a very unique organization, not only in Europe but also in the world. For this reason, it is a special opportunity to command this multinational unit, an extraordinary opportunity for the members of the US Air Force. Col. Nitz is also familiar with the C-17 Globemaster’s cockpit, as he has been flying the type since 1999. The colonel who has over 4000 flight hours accepted the guidon of the Pápa Wing during the change-of-command ceremony.

Photos by the author