621st CRW enhances unity of command

  • Published
  • 621st Contingency Response Wing
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 621st Contingency Response Wing completed its final Travis Air Force Base reorganization ceremony June 4.

Throughout the week, eight units inactivated, five units activated and two units realigned. With the reorganization, the CRW will be represented at Travis by the newly activated 821st Contingency Response Group and the 621st Air Mobility Advisory Group.

"The CRW reorganization is not a consolidation," said Col. James Copher, 621st CRW commander. "Our improved unity of command will allow us to deliver the same rapid response and dedication when called upon as we have in the past. The contingency response wing in-garrison unit will now be the same as the one that goes on the road."

Although the names of the units have changed, the CRW's mission has not, Copher said. The changes are mostly cosmetic and designed to streamline the top levels of command in order to give each squadron commander the resources, personnel, training and processes they require to execute their specialized mission.

"The mission, the teamwork and, most importantly, the Airmen of the CRW will remain the same," Copher said. "We'll retain the most vital part of the devil raiders: passion for the mission, incredible pride, and superior professionalism that CRW airmen always bring to the fight worldwide."

According to Gen. Darren McDew, Air Mobility Command commander, the realignment of the CRW will allow units to operate even more effectively.

"Ultimately, our goal is to provide an unrivaled team of contingency response experts to the fight, whenever and wherever called," McDew said.

The bicoastal wing previously had a total of six groups located at both JB MDL and Travis, four contingency response groups and two contingency operations support groups. Restructuring includes inactivating these six groups and activating three new groups. The newly formed 621st AMAG will be responsible for developing global mobility advisers and providing planners to worldwide air operations centers and the CRGs combined to create a single group at each base.

"I am honored today to assume command of the 821st CRG and the greatest mission in the Air Force," said Col. Rhett Champaign, 821st CRG commander. "Although the 570th and 571st CRGs, and the 615th COSG no longer exist, Colonels Zippwald, Johnson and MacDonald have left a solid group of well-trained and well-led Airmen. I thank you for your leadership and service because these Airmen, as the men and women of the 821 CRG, are and will be ready to ensure America's rapid global mobility when the nation calls again."

The reorganization will conclude at JB MDL with a ceremony scheduled for June 26.