AMC Welcomes a New Commander

Published May 5, 2014
By Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Mobility Command welcomed its 11th commander here, May 5.

Gen. Darren W. McDew took command of AMC from Gen. Paul J. Selva during a ceremony officiated by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. Addressing the Airmen in his new command for the first time, McDew affirmed the pride he takes in their service.

"I am proud of our heritage, just as I am extremely proud of you. We owe it to that heritage, that we're writing, to get it right today for tomorrow," he said.

In his previous assignment, McDew commanded the 18th Air Force, also located at Scott AFB. As commander of AMC's component numbered air force, he was responsible for the worldwide operational mission of providing rapid, global mobility and sustainment for America's armed forces.

During the ceremony, Selva expressed his confidence in McDew's ability to shepherd AMC's global mobility mission.

"Today we give this command to the hands of one of the most capable officers I have ever met," Selva said.

As AMC commander, McDew leads all Mobility Air Forces comprised of nearly 132,000 civilian, active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve personnel.

Averaging an aircraft takeoff every two-and-a-half minutes, AMC sustains America's military operations worldwide, including combat operations in Afghanistan, through its airlift, aerial refueling and aeromedical evacuation capabilities. The command also responds to humanitarian crises at home and around the globe.

McDew said he trusts the members of Air Mobility Command to overcome any challenges the future might present.

"This is a pivotal time for our nation and our Air Force and the challenges we will face will most certainly be daunting. But they will not define us because your true character always pierces through in moments of crisis. And I promise, you will not be alone to face adversity. We will face it together."