Willis assumes command of 908th

  • Published
  • By Gene H. Hughes
  • 908th Airlift Wing
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  Colonel Adam B. Willis formally assumed command of Alabama's only Air Force Reserve unit in an official ceremony April 6.

He has been officially in command since his arrival at Maxwell last month. Before coming to the 908th, Willis was the commander of the 433rd Operations Group at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

Brigadier General Curtis L. Williams, vice commander of 22nd Air Force at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., who presided over the ceremony said that having been a longtime member of the airlift community, Willis is the right man for the job.

"Take a look at his background," he said. "He's been flying some big aircraft; C-141s, C-5's C-17s. He checked out in them all. He's been an instructor pilot, a squadron commander and he's also been a group commander. So he comes here ready to go to work."

Distinguished visitors included Lt. Gen. David Fadok, commander of Air University; Col. Trent Edwards, commander of the 42nd Air Base Wing; Col. Mark Czelusta, commander of the Squadron Officer College; and Col. Vincent Bugeja, advisor for reserve affairs to the commander of the Spaatz Center for Officer Education. Also attending were the 908th's group commanders, as well as several former squadron and group commanders.

Williams thanked the local civic leaders who attended, saying it was indicative of the strong bonds between the wing and the community outside the Maxwell gates.
Willis is a command pilot with more than 5,600 flight hours supporting training and airlift missions. His first Air Force assignment was as a C-141 pilot with the 53rd Airlift Squadron at Norton Air Force Base, Calif.

During his comments, Willis laid out his expectations and vision for the wing during his tenure.

"The 908th Airlift Wing has a proud heritage. It is that heritage that embodies our personnel," he said. "It is our ability to look at ourselves that make us great... the integrity of 'service before self' unfolds before our eyes in all we do. Our integrity is what makes the 908th proud of its heritage and it is our integrity that will lead us forward into history."

Willis replaces Col. Brett Clark, who commanded the 908th from 2008 until last November. He has since been reassigned to Dobins AFB where he now commands the 94th Airlift Wing.