New SAM FOX commander takes the reins

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Lt. Gen. Mark Ramsay, 18th Air Force commander, passes the 89th Airlift Wing guidon to incoming commander Col. Mike Minihan during a Change of Command ceremony here Feb. 10. The Change of Command ceremony marks a formal passing of responsibility, authority, and accountability of command from one leader to another. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Nichelle Anderson)

New SAM FOX commander takes the reigns

Published Feb. 10, 2012
By 2nd Lt. Gregg Johnson
89th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Col. Michael Minihan, 89th Airlift Wing commander, accepted the wing guidon and officially assumed command of the 89 AW from Col. Jacqueline Van Ovost, the outgoing commander, here Feb. 10.

Lt. Gen. Mark Ramsay, 18th Air Force commander, served as the presiding officer.

"We only choose commanders that have excelled at their previous command to lead the 89th", said General Ramsay."(Colonel) Minihan is here because he's had phenomenal success in his previous command and met the challenges."

Before relinquishing the wing guidon, Colonel Van Ovost addressed the members of the unit.

"Thanks for your leadership and SAM FOX attitudes," she said. "You have knocked every challenge out of the park, and that's an understatement."

In his first address to the command, Colonel Minihan set his expectations for continued excellence.

"We are busy and stand-ready on the eve of the greatest of American traditions, the presidential election," Colonel Minihan said. "We will be busier and will make no compromise to our unrivaled support of America's precious leadership echelon. There is no place I'd rather be."