News

446th Logistics Readiness Flight has new commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tanya King
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Capt. Jeffrey Weaver took the guidon from Maj. Tony Edwards in a change of command ceremony held March 3 as the commander of the 446th Logistics Readiness Flight here.

"I've got big shoes to fill, coming in after Major Edwards," said Weaver, who spent 12 years as an enlisted Marine before becoming an Air Force Reserve officer. "This is an outstanding unit and they've done excellent job during inspections."

"One of my goals as commander is to earn an 'Outstanding' during our upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection," he said. "I've got people who can help us achieve that goal."

Weaver credits his predecessor with handing over a unit possessing the necessary people and resources to accomplish their mission, despite any challenges.

"My glass is always half full, no matter how empty it gets," the new commander said about his attitude toward taking on challenges.

One such challenge is the unique nature of 446th LRF's mission to provide a full array of logistic support for the wing, including the administration of deployment programs and providing support related to shipping, receiving and storing supplies and equipment. Additionally they maintain vehicles and equipment and provide fuels support to a variety of customers.

"The units in the 446th LRF don't always have constant interaction and so it takes a commitment from their leadership and the Air Reserve Technicians in each section to make things work," he said about his staff. "I've got to thank Major Edwards for that though. He is the one who really established the open communication here."

He's taken experiences from his past assignments, his civilian life and his time in the Marine Corps to help shape his standards for himself and those he leads, he said.

"I believe in always training my replacement," he said. "It's something I've carried over from being a Marine; if I get hurt on the battlefield, the person behind me can pick up the guidon and continue the mission. This philosophy also extends to my civilian life and in raising my son. We develop leaders by investing the time to properly train junior members."

Safety is also paramount to him, he said.

"I want every one of my Airmen to come home to their loved ones, who support us to do what we do," he said. "This is why safety is so important."

Weaver was handpicked by Col. Gerald Vowell, 446th Mission Support Group commander.

"I selected Capt. Weaver because of his extensive aerial port and logistics readiness experience," said Vowell, who first met Weaver in August 2006 at the 939th Air Refueling Wing, Portland, Ore. "Having held most of the officer positions in an aerial port squadron and served in a logistics readiness squadron, he is well qualified to command the 446th LRF."

"I look forward to working with everyone in the 446th LRF," Weaver said. "They demonstrate time and time again they are capable of accomplishing the most amazing things."