89AW Commander bids Farewell Published Feb. 10, 2012 By 2nd Lt. Gregg Johnson 89th Airlift Wing JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md -- As the 89th Airlift Wing commander nears the end of her tour here, she prepares to take the next step in her career. Col. Jacqueline Van Ovost is set to relinquish command of the 89AW Feb. 10 to Col. Michael Minihan. Her next assignment will be at Travis Air Force Base as Vice Commander, United States Air Force Expeditionary Center. "We have a really great unit here and its going to be hard to give the flag up, but I will always have the greatest memories of the Airmen, the mission they've done and the quite professionalism they have," Van Ovost said. Van Ovost assumed command of the 89AW in February 2010. Her main priorities were to develop and caring for Airmen and families, have flawless mission execution and strengthen partnerships inside and outside of the gate. With increased family support and professional development opportunities, a new community relations program, and five total unit inspections with an 'exellent' overall rating Van Ovost is proud of the 89AW's accomplishments. "This unit plays a key role in facilitating diplomacy worldwide due to the nature of our mission," Van Ovost said. Van Ovost was nominated for promotion to brigadier general by President Barack Obama on Nov. 28, one of 37 Air Force colonels.