ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A new commander will take charge of the 97th Air Mobility Wing at 9 a.m., July 11, 2025, in the official wing change of command ceremony.
The base will welcome Col. Richard K. Kind as the new 97th AMW commander and bid farewell to Col. Jeffrey M. Marshall, who has served as the wing commander since July 14, 2023.
As Chief Master Sgt. Justin R. Brundage retires from the Air Force, we welcome Chief Master Sgt. Jon Adams as the new command chief for Altus Air Force Base.
Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder will serve as the presiding officer of the ceremony.
Before his assignment to Altus, Kind served as the deputy commander, 375th Air Mobility Wing, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, leading more than 3,100 personnel who provide aeromedical evacuation for patients, and operational support airlift for high priority passengers and cargo with a fleet of 14 C-21 aircraft. Additionally, he has served in a variety of positions at the squadron, wing, Major Command, Headquarters Air Force and combatant command levels. Kind is a command pilot with more than 3,900 hours in airlift and trainer aircraft.
During the ceremony, Airmen of the Mighty 97th will honor Marshall for his service and welcome Kind as the new wing commander.
Change of command ceremonies are a time-honored military tradition that symbolize the formal transfer of authority and responsibility, ensuring continuity of command while publicly showcasing the transition of leadership within a unit or organization.
Media interested in attending the ceremony must RSVP and express if they would like an interview with the incoming commander through the 97th AMW Public Affairs office by e-mailing 97amw.pa@us.af.mil by 4:30 p.m., June 25, 2025.