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Sole AF Contingency Response Wing conducts change of command ceremony

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres
  • 621st Contingency Response Wing
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J --  Col. Martin A. Chapin took command of the 621st Contingency Response Wing from Col. Chris B. Patterson in a ceremony June 28 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

Chapin comes to the 621st CRW by way of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where he served as vice wing commander, 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing. The 521st AMOW provides all command and control, en route maintenance support and air transportation services for theater and strategic air mobility missions in Europe and Southwest Asia. It has forces at Ramstein and Rota AB, Spain.

Chapin is a command pilot with more than 2,400 flying hours in the C-5 and C-21 aircraft.

The 621st Contingency Response Wing is headquartered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. with additional forces stationed at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and various Army and Marine Corps installations worldwide. The wing is tasked with rapidly deploying its 1,500 Airmen to quickly open and operate airfields, establish, expand, sustain and coordinate air mobility operations and liaise with partner nations to foster the development of their air mobility systems through education and outreach.

Past operations include mobility planning for air support over Libya; distribution of humanitarian aid following Haiti's devastating earthquake; and multiple building partner capacity engagements in Africa and Central and South America.

Speaking at the change of command ceremony, the new commander explained where he believes the past success of the 621st CRW has come from.

"The strength of the CRW has been and will continue to be all of you, our Airmen, civilians, families and friends," he said. "It's that strength that has enabled you to accomplish amazing feats as you serve as Air Mobility Command's 9-11 force.

"The CRW has been and will continue to be the first call our leaders make for our nation in times of crisis," said Chapin. "I can't tell you how proud, humbled and honored I am to be counted as one of you; to be part of your strength; to be one of those who answers the call for America."