TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Col. Jeff Nelson assumed command of the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base, California during a ceremony Sept. 18 attended by leaders of the local community, 18th Air Force leadership and Travis Airmen.
Nelson takes charge of Air Mobility Command’s largest wing after previously serving as the 628th Air Base Wing commander at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina.
“I can’t wait to see what kind of excitement this assignment brings to our family,” said Nelson. “We look forward to being a part of the 18th Air Force family again and helping deliver innovated rapid global mobility from here at Travis.”
Travis has a workforce of over 26,000 personnel and is also the home of 58 aircraft to include the C-5M Super Galaxy, KC-10 Extender and the C-17 Globemaster III. As Solano County’s biggest employer, Nelson is well aware of the impact Travis has on the local community.
“Thanks to our civic leaders in the community for supporting the Travis team,” said Nelson. “The reason Travis is a highly sought after assignment is due in part to the magnificent hospitality.”
Maj. Gen. Sam Barrett, 18th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony and applauded the men and women of Travis for their professionalism and commitment to the mission.
“Thank you for your service and protecting 325 million Americans,” said Barrett. “What you do matters.”
Barrett listed several examples of how Travis has worked to help their fellow citizens. Travis firefighters battled wildfires side-by-side with local firefighters, Airmen assisted with Hawaii volcano relief efforts and provided support for Hurricane Lane.
“You put the rapid in rapid global mobility,” said Barrett. “You have the capability, capacity and the amazing Airmen to move mountains.”
Barrett believes that a tested leader with the amount of operational experience Nelson possesses is exactly what Travis needs.
“This is a great commander, the right leader to take Travis to new heights,” said Barrett. “There’s no one more ready to command my largest of 12 wings.”
Nelson said he wants to build upon the Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein’s focus area on revitalizing squadrons.
“I will ensure our squadrons have the tools necessary to deliberately develop a strong resilient fighting force,” said Nelson. “We will forge a shared spirit of ownership and empowerment for innovation so we can execute today while we prepare for tomorrow.”
Nelson stressed he will focus on the people that make the mission possible.
“I am honored and humbled to be your commander, I am committed to working for you,” said Nelson. “We will continue to focus on the priorities of Airmen, team, pride and readiness.”
Nelson has flown more than 5,000 hours as a command pilot. Some of his combat missions include operations Allied Force in Kosovo, Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom.
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