JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON -- U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph M. Vanoni assumed command of the 446th Airlift Wing in an assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Aug. 3.
Vanoni comes to the 446th from Headquarters Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, where he served as Deputy Director of Operations, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration.
Maj. Gen. D. Scott Durham, 4th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony as wing members, community leaders, family and friends gathered.
Durham introduced Vanoni by describing his career as an active-duty service member, each assignment culminating in Vanoni’s selection as the commander of the 446th AW.
“I am so humbled to get the opportunity to be a part of this organization with such a huge history of excellence,” Vanoni professed. “As I spent the last week here, I am blown away by the experience at this wing across the board.”
The wing provides worldwide movement of high priority personnel and cargo. Missions range from local flying, cargo and personnel training to aeromedical evacuation and worldwide strategic airlift to providing critical support to joint operations alongside host installation operations at JBLM.
“I am so excited to be a part of this family and it’s clear to me that you all are a family,” said Vanoni. “I will close by saying it is an honor to get the opportunity to work for you, and with you.”
Vanoni will command 15 units with an inventory of nine C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and more than 1,500 Airmen.