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News

460th SW receives new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Phillip Houk
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Col. John Wagner, 460th Space Wing commander, assumed command of the 460th SW from Col. Dan Wright, who served as the commander since June 2013, during a change of command ceremony June 12 on base.

During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. John W. "Jay" Raymond, U.S. Strategic Command's Joint Functional Component Command for Space and 14th Air Force commander, officially passed the wing's guidon from Wright to Wagner, symbolizing the transition of leadership.

In his speech, Raymond underscored his trust in both men as Air Force leaders.

"These are two of the very best leaders and commanders our Air Force has to offer," Raymond said. "And I'm proud to serve with both of them."

After a busy year of command including budget cuts, sequestration, civilian furloughs and deaths within the wing, Wright expressed his appreciation for the Airmen of the 460th.

"To the men and women of the 460th, to the Panthers," Wright said, "You make this wing run, this wing is successful because of you, and we have accomplished a lot together."

Wagner, who previously commanded the 614th Air and Space Operations Center and served as director of the Joint Space Operations Center at Vandenberg AFB, California, pledged his dedication to 460th SW members and to Buckley.

"I am truly humbled to lead this world class team of professional Airmen," Wagner said. "You have my unwavering support and commitment to give you nothing less than my very best."

"Custom built" to lead this base, according to Raymond, Wagner is a 1991 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, and has served in a variety of space operations, acquisition and staff assignments associated with weather, missile warning and intelligence systems.

In closing, Wagner stressed the importance of the 460th SW's mission in support of the nation's defense.

"Because the panthers never sleep and we are always on watch, our nation will never be surprised by an enemy missile attack," Wagner said.

 

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