AFRC's only rescue wing changes command

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt Anna-Marie Wyant
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Airmen of the 920th Rescue Wing, Air Force Reserve Command's only combat search-and-rescue wing, and distinguished guests gathered to bid farewell to the 920th RQW commander, Col. Robert "BDU" Dunn, and welcome the wing's new commander, Col. Jeffrey "Skinny" Macrander at a ceremony here in Hangar 750 Sept. 11.

Maj. Gen. Frank Padilla, 10th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony, which commenced at 9:20 a.m. In his remarks, he recognized the significance of the day, which marked the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York Sept. 11, 2001.

"Who can forget where they were on that terrible day?" Padilla asked the crowd. "Every one of us knows where we were... and what we've experienced since then."

He thanked the Airmen in the crowd for staying vigilant and professional during this time of war.

"Here I am, standing before you, humbled to be in front of the greatest rescue wing I know," he said. "You people are amazing."

He also spoke highly of Dunn, recognizing the symbiotic relationship wing members have with their commander: each drives the other to be even better. Padilla said he knows Dunn has much pride in all his Airmen have accomplished since he took command in May 2010.

"We celebrate (Dunn) passing into retirement. He's going to walk out of here... with a smile on his face, quite a bit of spring in his step, very very proud of all his accomplishments that you all helped him do," Padilla said. "And I'd like to thank Colonel Dunn and his wife Ruth for all that they've done for us."

Although he emphasized the difficulty in replacing Dunn, Padilla said he has faith the unit will flourish under its new commander as well.

"Colonel Jeffrey 'Skinny' Macrander is no rookie," Padilla said. "He is the right guy for this job... He has my absolute, complete confidence. ...If you show Skinny Macrander excellence you've showed BDU Dunn, then this place is going to be absolutely awesome."

In his last time addressing the wing as their commander, Dunn thanked his Airmen for making his experience with the wing such a positive one.

"The opportunity I had here as a wing commander was just awesome--thank you for that," Dunn said. "It's a dream come true, and I loved every minute of it."

He challenged Macrander and the wing to stay vigilant because rescue is a vital military mission. He also acknowledged Macrander's leadership abilities and wished him well in his new position.

"I cannot think of a better man to take over the wing," Dunn said to Macrander. "I know you will take it to heights I couldn't even dream of. They will be a better wing for your presence... This is going to be the greatest experience of your life. Welcome."

Following his speech, Dunn stood in the center of the stage facing his Airmen in formation. Traditionally, at this time in the ceremony, the wing would render a final salute to their outgoing commander. On this occasion, however, Dunn wanted to be the one to render a final salute to his wing to show his respect and appreciation for every member. After saluting his Airmen for the last time, Dunn passed the 920th RQW flag to Padilla with the words, "I relinquish command." Padilla then passed the flag to Macrander, who accepted the flag, symbolizing his acceptance of command.

After officially taking command, Macrander addressed his wing for the first time as their leader. He told them he wants them to keep up the great work and continue working hard, and he will work hard for them as well. He told the wing, which represents 20 percent of the U.S. combat rescue capability, the operational tempo will be high, but they must all diligently work together to face any upcoming challenges.

"We have to be prepared to go anywhere, anytime, and I know you are," Macrander said. "What I ask of you, all of you, is to stay focused on the mission, keep each other safe... because we need each and every one of you to be part of this mission."

In conclusion, he wished Dunn the best in retirement and told the wing how honored he is to work with them.

"BDU, it's been an honor and a privilege to serve with you everywhere that I've been all these years. Enjoy your retirement; you've certainly earned it," he told Dunn. "To the men and women of the 920th, I'm honored to be your new wing commander and look forward to meeting each and every one of you and continue to do what we do best, and that's save lives."

Macrander earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Florida and a Master of Science in human relations from the University of Oklahoma. He earned his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1985 and served on active duty for 11 years before joining the Air Force Reserve. He is a command pilot with more than 4,500 flying hours in five different aircraft, including the wing's HH-60 Pave Hawk and HC-130 King. Macrander has flown missions in support of Operations Allied Force, Northern Watch, Noble Eagle, Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom. He was also the first Air Force Reservist to complete the HH-60G Weapons Instructor Qualification Course.

Dunn earned a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering technology from Kent State University, Ohio, and his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1978. He served on active duty for 10 years before joining the Air Force Reserve in 1990. Dunn is a command pilot with more than 6,000 flying hours altogether in seven different aircraft, including the HH-60 and HC-130. His duties have included tours with Air Force Systems Command, Pacific Air Forces, Tactical Air Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, and 10th Air Force Headquarters.

For more information about the 920th RQW, log on to the wing's Web site: www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.