Rainier Wing joins Team McChord’s Honorary Commander program
By Maj. Brooke Davis, 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
/ Published November 14, 2018
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. -- For the first time ever, the 446th Airlift ‘Rainier’ Wing joined the Team McChord Honorary Commander program.
During the Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony, City of Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder officially became the Rainier Wing’s first Honorary Commander Nov. 2.
As part of the Team McChord Honorary Commander program, Mayor Ryder will participate in base events to learn about the Air Force’s mission and to foster a supportive relationship with the community.
Col. Tony P. Angello, 446th AW interim commander, welcomed Mayor Ryder to the Rainier Wing with Chief Master Sgt. Janice Kallinen facilitating the guidon flag exchange.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have such a supportive community, and having Mayor Ryder on-board as our very first Honorary Commander is truly an exciting opportunity for the wing to engage with the community,” said Angello.
Col. Scovill W. Currin, Jr., 62nd Airlift Wing commander, enthusiastically spoke to the audience about McChord’s contributions to global military operations. Military operations from McChord have touched all continents of the world and the base has been part of historic airlift operations including Doolittle Raiders, Berlin Airlift and the Vietnam conflict.
“Six months ago I drove through the gates of McChord for the very first time,” he said. “I realized just how special this place is and I can’t wait for you to see that to.”
The Induction Ceremony included a performance from the Voices of McChord comprised of 446th AW members. The ensemble quintet sang the National Anthem acapella.
Before and after the official ceremony, civic leaders and their families were able to explore a C-17 Globemaster III static.
Mayor Ryder will serve a two-year term as the Honorary Commander and plans to attend upcoming Rainier Wing holiday events.
The Honorary Commander's Program is an Air Force-wide program that aims to create one-on-one opportunities to inform and educate local community leaders about the missions of the United States Air Force and Team McChord.
The Rainier Wing’s mission is to provide ready Airmen to support global operations. As part of the Air Force Reserve Command, more than 1,800 Traditional Reservists, Air Reserve Technicians and civilians, along with support worldwide C-17 Globemaster III airlift missions.