LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- On Friday, June 6, 2019, Col. Thomas Crimmins handed the title of wing commander to Col. Dean Martin. Presiding over the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Marc Sicard, the Arkansas Air National Guard air component commander.
“It was an honor to be your commander for two years,” said Crimmins. “Everything that we’ve accomplished has never been about me. It’s always been about the wing and this mission.”
Martin handed the position of the 189th Operations Group commander to Lt. Col. Chris Raymond in April, accepting the position as the wing commander. His experience and knowledge within the C-130H community and the wing provide valuable qualifications and knowledge in the upcoming term as the wing commander.
Martin highlighted Crimmins’ success during his tenure as the wing’s commander, discussing the new cyber mission, and the future it holds. He also focused on the men and women of the wing who support the combat airlift and cyber mission.
“Your support to four numbered air forces, four major commands and one directorate is unprecedented for any wing on this air force base and I believe in the Air National Guard,” he said. “This proves to me that each and every one of you has an influence across the total force spectrum and it is your expertise that is called upon daily in our Nation’s defense.”
As base leadership and community leaders filled the audience, Martin addressed the importance of combined effort and the partnerships built between the Arkansas Air National Guard and the active duty and reserve components.
“I look forward to working with you as we continue to train and equip the world’s best combat airlifters and cyber warriors,” he said. “As the 189th answers the community’s call, whether it is a natural disaster or deploying true combatants to protect our Nation, your continued support is vital to our success.”
Crimmins accepted the position as the Arkansas Air National Guard’s new air component commander from Sicard shortly after the wing change of command and is assigned to Joint Force Headquarters at Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Ark.