MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Col. Stephen Snelson assumed command of the 6th Air Mobility Wing from Col. April Vogel during a change of command ceremony June 29, 2018, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
Snelson joins Team MacDill following his tenure as vice commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, while Vogel assumes duties as the assistant adjutant general-air, Maryland Air National Guard and the Air National Guard advisor to Heidi Grant, the deputy undersecretary of the Air Force, international affairs.
“When I was told I would become wing commander at MacDill, I wasn’t sure how the Airmen were going to receive it,” recalled Vogel. “I was a C-130 (Hercules) pilot in the Air National Guard, but MacDill’s Airmen and the community welcomed me with open arms.”
During her tenure, Vogel enabled the addition of eight KC-135s and an air refueling squadron which accomplished more than 6,000 sorties around the world. She fostered the development of MacDill’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math exposition which enhanced interaction with more than 2,600 school-age students, setting an Air Mobility Command standard. She also guided the efforts to memorialize MacDill’s rich history through the creation of an installation heritage park.
“I cannot thank the Airmen of the 6th Air Mobility Wing enough for their dedication and excellence.”
Snelson takes charge of 24 KC-135 Stratotankers, three C-37 Gulfstream aircraft and leads installation support for more than 21,000 service members and civilians working on MacDill.
“My family is thrilled to join Team MacDill and the incredible Tampa Bay community,” said Snelson. “Leading the Air Force’s greatest Air Mobility Wing and world’s greatest Airmen is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Lt. Gen. GI Tuck, 18th Air Force Commander, acted as the presiding officer for the ceremony.
“The 6th Air Mobility Wing plays a very special and important role in not only what they do in their own wing, but in supporting two combatant commanders,” said Tuck. “Day in and day out, this wing absolutely delivers.”
Snelson concluded his first official address as commander surrounded by service members, families and community partners.
“I am honored to begin this journey of learning from and serving the incredible Airmen who carry the weight of this wing, as well as the Tampa Bay community who stand beside us every step of the way," declared Snelson.