Seguin takes reins of 14th FTW

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jacob Corbin
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The new leader of the 14th Flying Training Wing took command of the unit in a formal ceremony July 28.

Col. Barre Seguin was given command of the men and women of the BLAZE Team by 19th Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Gregory Feest, only moments after the outgoing commander, Col. Roger Watkins, relinquished command in the military tradition.

"To the men and women of Team BLAZE, I want to say I am proud, honored and humbled to stand before you for the first time as BLAZE 01," Colonel Seguin said during his remarks. "It is a great thrill to be here."

The men and women of the BLAZE Team were in full-force at the event, with Airmen, civilians and contractors taking part in the ceremony in formation.

Colonel Seguin was previously Commander, 8th Operations Group, 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

"My vision for the base is to remain a premiere training environment, embraced by the community and focused on families," Colonel Seguin said. "My plan here is to accomplish the mission by focusing on families, by serving our Airmen and by giving Airmen what they need to accomplish the mission."

The colonel said before coming here, he had already heard many things about the men and women he would soon lead.

"Your hospitality is legendary Air Force wide," he said. Colonel Seguin noted he had heard great things about the bases relationship with local community, and that he hopes to maintain both reputations.

In addition, the new 14th FTW commander took a moment to thank his wife, Nancy, and their three children for all the sacrifices they have made during his Air Force career. The latest being a 15 month separation from them while he was stationed in Korea.

"It's a great pleasure to reunited with my family," he said.

Colonel Seguin was commissioned in 1988 as a distinguished graduate of the Reserve Officer Training Corps.