News

New commander takes reins of Team Dover

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Airmen from Team Dover stood in formation to watch the passing of the guidon to Col. Michael Grismer as he assumed command of the 436th Airlift Wing from Col. Rick Moore during a change of command ceremony Aug. 15, 2014, here.

Lieutenant Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, 18th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony and said Col. Grismer has the proven performance and right leadership qualities to lead the 436th AW.

"When you look at his record, he has cared for his Airmen and their families with equality, integrity and characteristics of a true leader," said Lt. Gen. Everhart. "There is no doubt [Col. Grismer] is the ideal choice to lead this wing and its important world-wide mission."

Colonel Grismer was previously the vice commander of the 3d Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, before taking command of the 436th AW.

Colonel Moore, who took command of Dover Air Force Base in August 2012, will serve his next assignment as the chief of Global Mobility Division at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia working with the headquarters Air Force staff.

Colonel Grismer commissioned in 1992 following his graduation from the United States Air Force Academy. He began his career as a civil engineering officer before graduating from Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training. Col. Grismer is a rated command pilot with 4200 flight hours logged. His flight experiences include eight different aircrafts including the C-5A/B/C and C-17.

The new commander acknowledged the importance Team Dover Airmen play in executing global reach.

"Today the first weapon of choice in conflict or peace will increasingly involve rapid global mobility," said Col. Grismer. "I have no doubt Team Dover will continue to enable combat power and deliver hope whenever we are called."

Colonel Grismer also noted that he looks forward to the opportunity to lead Team Dover.

"My family and I are committed to giving our very best to serve the Dover team, he said. "I am excited to join a team with a reputation and a tradition for hard work and turning challenges into opportunities. I look forward to sharing in the future success of our Total Force team here at Dover."