Team Fairchild welcomes new wing commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anneliese Kaiser
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Col. Chesley L. Dycus assumed command of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing from Col. Cassius T. Bentley III during a change of command ceremony, July 25

Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb, 18th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony that held around 500 guests.

In closing of Bentley’s time in command, Bibb said, “Over the last two years the 92nd constantly provided top-tier support anytime, anywhere and without fail, the results of which were felt globally by both our adversaries and our allies. Cassius, your leadership cultivated a combat-ready warrior culture, it’s powerful to see what you accomplished and you’re spot on for building the readiness and resilience we need as we face the future fight. You have a lot to be proud of. Thank you for your leadership.”

The departure of one command team signals the welcoming of a new one as Dycus takes the reins.

Before coming to Fairchild, Dycus was the vice commander of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, one of the Air Force's three core tanker wings. Dycus will now lead the more than 13,000 Fairchild Airmen who will provide strategic air refueling on a global scale.

 “I will do everything I can to help to our mission, our Airmen and our families,” Dycus said. “It will be one of my defining goals to give each and every one of you a sense of purpose and a sense of belonging as AMC’s only super tanker wing executes our mission in support of our great nation.”

Dycus commissioned to the Air Force Academy in the year 2000 and has worldwide operational experience. He served during Operation Southern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He also served on staff at Headquarters Air Mobility Command and the White House. Finally, throughout his career he has logged over 3,600 flight hours as an airlift and tanker pilot.