Colonel Watkins assumes of command of 14th FTW

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Danielle Hill
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
Colonel Roger Watkins assumed command of the 14th Flying Training Wing Wednesday in a ceremony at Smith Plaza June 25.

Major Gen. Irving Halter, 19th Air Force commander, was on-hand to officiate the ceremony.

"I am extremely honored and humbled to have been selected to command the 14th Flying Training Wing. Leslie and I are very excited to become part of the mighty BLAZE Team and we really look forward to getting to know both the base and downtown communities," said Colonel Watkins.

As a pilot training base, the primary mission of CAFB is to train the world's best pilots. Colonel Watkins, a former T-37 and T-1 instructor pilot, believes his past IP experiences will help him as commander.

"I certainly think my time as both a T-37 IP and a T-1 IP will help me to understand the mission and methodology of both the primary and advanced tracks of flying training. I am looking forward to honing my aviation skills in the T-6 at Columbus," he said.

Although Colonel Watkins' pervious position as vice commander at Fairchild AFB, Wash., brings him from the Air Mobility Command, he also has experience in the Air Education and Training Command. In addition to his instructor pilot assignments, he also was a staff officer as part of the AETC commander's Command Action Group from 1998 to 2000. He says this experience gave him "a valuable and broad understanding of the entire spectrum of the AETC mission."

Former wing commanders have set the footwork for the BLAZE Team's priorities. Colonel Watkins said his priorities and passions are: "mission, people, family and community."

"As I look at Columbus AFB, I realize that these align perfectly with what the BLAZE Team already does. I really look forward to carrying this vision forward in the coming weeks and months with the men and women of Columbus AFB," he said.

"Leslie and I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make our transition to Columbus AFB and the BLAZE Team so smooth. The hospitality and courteousness of everyone we have met with has just been extraordinary! Thank you so much," said Colonel Watkins.

Colonel Watkins replaces Col. Dave Gerber, who left CAFB in May for a position at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.