BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California –
The 940th Air Refueling Wing stepped into the next era yesterday with Col. Stephanie W. Williams taking the helm as wing commander at Beale Air Force Base, California.
She replaced Col. Craig C. Peters, who returned to the east coast to serve as wing commander of the 512th Air Mobility Wing at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.
Hundreds of reservists, as well as base and community leaders, gathered to witness the ceremony. The presiding officer for the event was Maj. Gen. Randall A. Ogden, 4th Air Force commander, March Air Reserve Base, California.
As the wing flag was passed to Williams, it symbolized her acceptance of the position. The military tradition of passing the organizational flag symbolizes the passing of responsibility and authority to the new commander, a gesture which historically aided troops in knowing who to dedicate their loyalty and trust to.
Prior to her assignment here, Williams was previously the commander of the 349th Operations Group at Travis Air Force Base, California and officially took command of the 940 ARW on June 25, 2017. She is the 27th commander and second female to take the lead.
“An effective team takes many different kinds of people with varying skills and talents to succeed,” she said. “I am honored to join your team and continue the important work you started with Col. Peters at the helm. I look forward to working with you, shoulder to shoulder.”
Williams is a command pilot with over 4,000 hours, primarily in C-130 aircraft. She is now in charge of eight KC-135R Stratotankers and the organization, training, and equipping of approximately 1,200 Reserve personnel for worldwide deployment.