Liberty Wing gets new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Andria J. Allmond
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  In a change of command ceremony held here, Col. Raymond A. Kozak accepted the role as commander of the 512th Airlift Wing today. Kozak assumed the position from Col. Randal L. Bright following a four-year assignment as the director of Air, Space and Information Operations, Headquarters Fourth Air Force, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., May 6.

A C-17 pilot and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, Kozak served seven years in the regular Air Force, four years in the Air National Guard and 17 years as part of the Air Force Reserve Command.

The newly-appointed wing commander called the ceremony a humbling and inspiring moment.

"This is a proud moment for me," said Kozak. "I'm very happy and excited to be part of this team."

Kozak continued by explaining the importance of teamwork and how that will serve as his mantra during this time as the Liberty Wing commander.

The 512th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Del., plays an important role in America's defense. Also known as the "Liberty Wing," the 512th AW is a subordinate of 4th Air Force, headquartered at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., and Air Force Reserve Command, with its headquarters at Robins Air Reserve Base, Ga. The Liberty Wing consists of operations, maintenance and support groups, a medical squadron, and 15 units, of which one is a geographically separated unit at Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Maj. Gen. Mark A. Kyle, commander of the 4th Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, served as the presiding officer and addressed the crowd during the ceremony.

"(Bright) has a ton of experience," said Kyle. "I'm sending him to (Air Force Reserve Command) to take his experience up to command level. He has raised the bar here, and I have no doubt that he'll raise the bar at (Robins Air Force Base, Ga.). "

As the outgoing commander, Bright becomes the chief of the Plans Division, Directorate of Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins AFB, Ga., after five years at Dover AFB.

"It has been an honor to be your wing commander," said Bright. "You all have done great things, and I know that you will continue to do so with Colonel Kozak as your wing commander."