An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

16th AF holds historic dual Change of Responsibility Ceremony

  • Published
  • By Manuel Garcia
JBSA-Lackland, Texas --  Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) and 67th Cyberspace Wing held a first-of-its-kind dual Change of Responsibility Ceremony at JBSA-Lackland, June 13.

The Commander of Sixteenth Air Force, Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, presided over the dual ceremony emphasizing the critical role of the incoming command chiefs.

Incoming command chiefs, Chief Master Sgt. Andrew McKendree, Sixteenth Air Force and Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Sjoholm, 67th Cyberspace Wing, understand their new roles represent not just a change in position, but an opportunity to serve as principal advisors to their commanders while also overseeing all enlisted personnel in their command.

Hensley spoke of the uniqueness of the dual ceremony, “it seems natural to have this change of responsibility--when you get to the level these two gentlemen and the responsibilities that they have to execute in a command that is 49,000 people in 143 locations worldwide,” stated Hensley.

At the heart of both ceremonies was the passing of the unit’s colors—entrusted to the new command chiefs who represent the senior enlisted leader’s authority and advisory role to their commanders.

After the passing of the Sixteenth Air Force’s colors, McKendree stepped to the podium as the new command chief and offered his remarks.

“I will work tirelessly to ensure you have the resources, training, and support you need to succeed,” said McKendree.  “I will actively listen to your concerns, address your challenges, and advocate for your needs.”

Since activating in 2019, Airmen of Sixteenth Air Force continue to integrate capabilities to achieve information warfare outcomes for combatant commanders and air components.

McKendree stressed that Sixteenth Air Force Airmen must “remain at the forefront of cyber and intelligence operations, dedicated to safeguarding our nation's security and defense.”

Eager to take the torch, McKendree stated, “I am truly excited to join this remarkable team. I look forward to learning from each of you, collaborating closely, and serving you to the best of my abilities.”

After a brief intermission, Col. John Picklesimer kicked off the 67th Cyberspace Wing’s Change of Responsibility.

“Chief Lance Power joins the esteemed ranks of gunslinger ambassadors and makes way for Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Sjoholm to carry the banner. It's no accident that these leaders were chosen for this role,” stated Picklesimer.

Sjoholm, previously the 22nd Operations Group Senior Enlisted Leader at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, spoke about the importance of future conflicts in this new domain.

“You are forming the future of how we fight as a nation,” said Sjoholm. “You're changing how future generations will look at warfare. This is your moment—following the footsteps of those who came before you, as you partner with our joint brothers and sisters to build on the fundamentals of American warfare.”

The outgoing command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Robert Hopkins, upheld the legacy of Sixteenth Air Force as its Senior Enlisted Leader; Chief Master Sgt. Lance Power did the same for the 67th Cyberspace Wing as their outgoing command chief.

Now the tradition of excelling in mission execution is transferred to Chief Master Sgt. Andrew McKendree to lead the Sixteenth Air Force, and Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Sjoholm to lead the 67th Cyberspace Wing.

The dual change of responsibility ceremony celebrated the first-of-its-kind transition of Senior Enlisted Leaders for Sixteenth Air Force and 67th Cyberspace Wing in a historical way and concluded with the playing of the Air Force Song—a final tribute to tradition and service in the United States Air Force.