JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- U.S. Air Force Colonel Neil R. Richardson relinquished command of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the 87th Air Base Wing to Colonel Bridget V. Gigliotti, during a change of command ceremony, July 26, 2019 at Joint Base MDL, New Jersey.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. John Gordy, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander at Joint Base MDL, New Jersey, was the presiding officer over the ceremony.
“Thank you all for being here today to celebrate this very special day for Bridget and her family,” said Gordy. “Thank you to everyone for spending their valuable time here as we say goodbye to an incredible leader and welcome an equally incredible new one.”
“Both of the leaders sitting on stage today have demonstrated exceptional ability to lead and inspire,” Gordy said. “Both have shown that they are committed to building an environment of trust and respect. And both have demonstrated they can be trusted with Air Force’s most important asset and weapon – our Airmen and their families.”
Before Richardson relinquished command, he was awarded the Legion of Merit and rendered his final salute to the men and women of Joint Base MDL.
“Today, marks the fifth change of command for the 87th Air Base Wing and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to command the wing and lead such a talented and hard-working group of military and civilian professionals,” said Richardson. “It’s been an incredible two years.”
In the past two years, under Col. Richardson’s leadership, the men and women of the 87th have captured countless awards at the Air Force and Major Command level.
Following the passing of the guidon, Gigliotti received her first salute from JB MDL and has begun JB MDL’s next new chapter.
“Let’s be clear – it’s really her unwavering support of Airmen and genuine care for people and mission that makes her the right fit for this wing,” said Gordy. “I have no doubt you are the perfect leader for this command – you bring the right experience, leadership and care for Airmen that we need to take this wing and base to the next level. Welcome to the team.”
Gigliotti is coming from Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, where she was the Director of Manpower, Personnel and Services. Prior to that, she was stationed at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, where she was the 37th Training Group commander. Additionally, she has served as a section commander, military personnel flight commander, executive officer, protocol officer, squadron commander, group commander, and has held staff assignments on the Air Staff and Joint Staff.
“To the members of the 87th Air Base Wing and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst – you are my inspiration and the reason I serve,” said Gigliotti. “Being your commander is an honor and privilege I do not take for granted. I have been extremely fortunate throughout my Air Force career to serve and lead at a variety of levels, but I’m in my happy place when I watch service members connect, thrive and get after the mission.”
Gigliotti has challenged Team JB MDL to respect one another, hold each other accountable and to uphold and protect our core values.
As commander of Joint Base MDL and the 87th Air Base Wing, Gigliotti will provide installation support to more than 80 mission partners at the Defense Department’s only tri-service joint base. She will also be responsible for providing mission-ready expeditionary Airmen and Sailors to combatant commanders in support of joint and coalition operations.