305th AMW welcomes new commander

Published July 14, 2016
By Senior Airman Joshua King
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Members with the 305th Air Mobility Wing welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony here July 7.

Col. Darren Cole took the reins of the 305th AMW from Col. John Price during the ceremony, which was presided by Lt. Gen. Samuel Cox, 18th Air Force commander.

Before arriving here, Cole was the War Planning and Policy chief at the Pentagon.

Cole grew up working on his family's farm in central Illinois and learned the importance of hard work and dedication at a young age.

He's joined here by his wife, Cassandra, his daughter, Alexandra, and his son, Nathan.

"My family has played and plays a huge role in my career," Cole said. "They're a constant reminder as to why I serve, and I could not possibly be where I am without them."

When he isn't at work, Cole said he enjoys playing and watching sports, including football, baseball and CrossFit.

JB MDL is a major hub for cargo and refueling capabilities on the East Coast, supporting missions around the globe, all stemming from the work of the 305th AMW.

"I am very glad to be here," Cole said. "I am looking forward to getting out and meeting everyone, not just in the 305th, but everyone on the joint base and in the local community, and get out and take advantage of the great opportunities around us.

"My goal for the 305th is to continue the level of performance we have been at," Cole said. "We have a 'no fail' mission here and will continue to perform at a very high level of rapid global mobility."

With the 'no fail' mission, Cole will rely on his fellow officers, Senior NCO's and NCO's to ensure mission completion.

"My leadership style is to delegate and hold responsible," said Cole. "I give as much leash, as much responsibility as I think a person can handle and as I get to know them more, I will be able to extend some more trust."

He said he plans to get out and meet the Airmen of the 305th AMW over the next few months.