JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
"With six simple words: 'I relinquish command,' and 'I assume command,' we will transfer leadership," said Maj. Gen. Frederick H. Martin, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, during a change of command ceremony held here June 25.
The ceremony marked the formal passing of the torch from Col. James C. Hodges, to Col. Frederick D. Thaden, of the joint base and 87th Air Base Wing.
As the new commander, Thaden assumes responsibility of a 38,000-person base population, providing support to more than 80 mission partners and maintenance of the installation's 42,000 acres. As the nation's only tri-service joint base, JB MDL houses units from all five services, federal and state agencies.
"Both of these leaders have demonstrated they have what it takes to lead and inspire others," said Martin. "They are entrusted with our most important weapons system - our Airmen, our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen."
During the ceremony, Martin addressed hundreds of military members, community leaders and family members, and lauded Hodges' efforts as the joint base and wing commander for the past two years.
"Under your tremendous leadership, combined with Chief (Master Sgt. Phillip) Robinson, and in concert with the tremendous mission partners here at Joint Base MDL, the 87th has set a very high bar for joint base teamwork," he said.
Calling Thaden "a man with a huge reputation for leadership and teamwork," and a "quintessential servant leader," Martin also took time to express his confidence in Thaden's ability and determination to continue building upon Hodges' legacy.
"Col. Thaden brings an exceptional set of skills and experiences honed over 24 years in uniform," Martin said. He has "a unique understanding of the joint community - our sister services. Col. Thaden is the right person, at the right place, at the right time," for the job.
Upon taking the guidon, assuming command and returning his first salute as commander, Thaden said he is proud and humbled to be the joint base and air base wing commander.
"I am honored to now take the flag and continue on the path you have charted," Thaden said. "Our air base wing motto is 'Win as One,' and together, I know we will win by accomplishing great things for Team MDL and the United States of America."
Thaden comes to the joint base from Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, where he served as director of Manpower, Personnel and Services. The Brigham Young University graduate commissioned into the U.S. Air Force after completing the school's Reserve Officer Training Corps program in 1991. He is a veteran of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Joint Forge and Joint Guardian.
In addition to the hundreds of guests at the ceremony, a formation of more than 100 service members from throughout the wing stood in attendance.
"The formation you are leading today is an awesome sight and a reminder of what is most important in the military; our people are the most important and valuable resource we have," Thaden said.
"Thank you for standing tall and representing our nation's greatest strength today."
During the ceremony, Hodges also praised Team MDL's professionalism in accomplishing the mission, and thanked his service members for their dedication.
"One of my greatest and lasting trophies from my time here are the growing crow's feet around my eyes," Hodges laughed. "You see, those wrinkles around my eyes are from smiling day after day working with all of you. It's been the honor and privilege of a lifetime.
"Col. Thaden, you have a great, motivated group of patriots, chomping at the bit to execute the mission."
Hodges moves on from the joint base to serve as the senior military assistance to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations Environment and Energy in Washington, D.C. Before relinquishing command, Hodges took a final opportunity to call out the wing's motto.
"87th! Win as..."
"ONE," came the resounding echo from his service members.