Change of Command, 117th Air Refueling Wing

Birmingham, Ala. -- The 117th Air Refueling Wing hosted a Change of Command ceremony here on April 14.
Many special guests and dignitaries were in attendance. Among these guests were the Adjutant General for the Alabama National Guard Major General Perry G. Smith, Alabama State Representative the Honorable Dickie Drake and Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry.

Colonel Cliff James, former Vice Commander, assumed command of the 117th Air Refueling Wing.

"Success is dependent on teamwork and leadership. Every job in this Wing is critical. Every airman is important. Every airman is a leader." said James.

Brigadier General Steven Berryhill, former 117th Air Refueling Wing Commander, accepted command of the Alabama Air National Guard from Major General Paul D. Brown.

This was a historic day for the 117th Air Refueling Wing and the Alabama Air National Guard. The change of command ceremony is deeply rooted in military history, when organizational flags were used on the battlefield to serve as rallying points and reminders of a soldier's allegiance to their leader. The change of command ceremony allowed members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing to witness the official change in leadership.