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Williamson assumes command of 305th AMW

  • Published
  • By Pascual Flores
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst bid farewell to one leader and welcomed another at a change of command ceremony for the 305th Air Mobility Wing July 20 at Dock 1 in true 'Can Do' spirit.

Lt. Gen. Mark Ramsay, 18th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony between outgoing commander Col. Paul Murphy and incoming commander Col. Richard Williamson Jr.

Greeting the gathered assembly, Ramsay then addressed Murphy and his family making reference to his next assignment, "Two to three years ago, you came from Scott Air Force Base [Illinois] and sometimes we have to bring the folks back to the motherland."

The national anthem was sung by Joe Zarzaca, 305th AMW Honorary Commander, as service members of the 305th AMW, family members, Civil Air Patrol cadets and community partners looked on.

Ramsay further described the numerous accomplishments performed by the members of the 305th AMW during Murphy's tenure and how their mission capability rates were among the highest in the Air Force resulting in a "2012 Outstanding Unit Award."

"You both live the motto, 'Can Do,'" said Ramsay, referring to Murphy and his wife, Denise.

The moment arrived for the passing of the guidon and those eight words that officially transferred command responsibilities of the 305th AMW to Williamson, "Sir, I relinquish command," and "Sir, I assume command."

"General Ramsay, thank you for your confidence and faith in me and my family to take this enormous responsibility of leading the great Airmen you see before you here in the 'Can Do' wing", said Williamson, the new 305th AMW commander.

Williamson, a Florida native, was the vice commander of the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., prior to his assignment here. He is a command pilot with more than 4,700 hours in the C-5B Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, C-141B Starlifter, KC-10A Extender, T-37B Cessna, and T-38A Talon aircraft. Williamson entered the Air Force in 1991 after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy.

Williamson was previously stationed here from 1993 to 1997 and from 2003 to 2004.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to return to where I began in my profession almost 20 years ago," said Williamson.

Williamson acknowledged the hard work and accomplishments made by Murphy and his family.

"Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into this wing over the past few years, it is obvious that I am taking the reins of a world-class organization." He added, "'Can Do' is more than a motto. It is a creed. It is a way of life; your family has truly embraced this with pride, professionalism and passion for all of your command."

Williamson's closing words to the men and women of the 305th AMW, "I am honored to join you and look forward to working with you all as we answer our nation's call. I will always be your advocate and local cheerleader, but in the end I will require that you all know and do your job."

In his new role, Williamson assumes responsibility for the wing's KC-10 and C-17 aircraft that provide global mobility support for national security objectives, combat operations, contingencies and humanitarian relief efforts worldwide through air refueling and airland capabilities. The 305th AMW also manages all air operations for the joint base and two of Air Mobility Command's busiest aerial ports.

Murphy, the outgoing commander, is a graduate from Northeastern University in Boston and entered active duty in 1988 with a ROTC commission from Boston University. Murphy has been selected for reassignment as Air Mobility Command's Director of Safety at Scott Air Force Base.

The 305th AMW extends America's global reach by generating, mobilizing and deploying 32 KC-10 and 15 C-17 aircraft to conduct strategic airlift and air refueling missions worldwide.