ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A new commander will take charge of the 97th Air Mobility Wing at 9 a.m., July 1, 2021.
The base will welcome Col. Blaine L. Baker as the new 97th AMW commander and bid farewell to Col. Matthew A. Leard, who has served as the wing commander since June 21, 2019.
Baker has served as the Vice Commander, 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, supporting four U.S. Air Force major command flying programs and more than 16,800 military, civilian, dependent, and retiree personnel. Prior to that, Baker attended the Royal College of Defense Studies in London, United Kingdom.
During the ceremony, Airmen of the Mighty 97th will honor Leard for his service and welcome Baker as the new wing commander.
Media interested in attending the ceremony must RSVP with the 97th AMW Public Affairs office by calling 580-481-7700 or e-mailing 97amw.pa@us.af.mil by 4:30 p.m., June 25, 2021.