JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
Col. Frederick D. Thaden relinquished command of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and 87th Air Base Wing to Col. Neil R. Richardson during a ceremony here, June 19.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Bence, United States Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, oversaw the proceedings and the traditional exchange of the guidon in a hangar full of JB MDL servicemembers and civic leaders.
“Both of the leaders sitting on stage today have demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead and inspire,” Bence said. “Col. Thaden’s command has been etched into the history of the 87th Air Base Wing.”
A typical tour of command at the joint base is two years. Richardson leads the joint installation along with JB MDL deputy commanders Army Col. Martin Klein and Navy Capt. Christopher Bergen.
“I found the Richardson family and knew I had found the next commander for the 87th Air Base Wing,” Bence said. “Col. Richardson brings the right experience and leadership needed to continue to put rapid in rapid global mobility and take this joint base to the next level.”
After receiving his second Legion of Merit, Thaden expressed his appreciation to the joint base community for supporting him and his family throughout two years of command and praised the incoming commander.
“I am grateful to hand the reins of the wing and the joint base over to a very accomplished officer in Col. Neil Richardson,” Thaden said. “The skills he brings to the fight are exactly what we need now to continue propelling this wing and base to new heights.”
After the guidon was passed and Thaden had officially relinquished command, the newest commander of JB MDL addressed the crowd consisting of his new troops from all services of the Department of Defense.
Richardson, a former C-130 Hercules navigator and weapons officer, previously served as at the vice commander for the 374th Airlift Wing in Yokota, Japan. He is accompanied by his wife Melissa and their four children.
“I will do my best to take care of the men and women at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst,” Richardson said. “I will do my very best to live up to the extremely high standards that Col. Thaden has established. I look forward to working with you all – together we will ‘Win as One.’”