60th OG welcomes new commander Published July 31, 2019 By Tech. Sgt. James Hodgman 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Col. Gregg Johnson took command of the 60th Operations Group July 26 at Travis AFB. Johnson, who was the Operations Division Chief, Office of the Defense Representative-Pakistan at the U.S. Embassy in Islammabad, follows in the footsteps of Col. Theresa Weems, outgoing 60th OG commander. Weems transferred command to Johnson during a short ceremony, which featured a formation of Airmen, the presentation of colors as well as C-5M Super Galaxy, KC-10 Extender and C-17 Globemaster III static displays. Johnson opened his speech with a message of thanks. “First, to my beautiful wife Patricia, words cannot describe my gratitude for you. To quote Dave Matthews, ‘You and me together, can do anything’,” Johnson said. “Col. Weems, thanks for your exceptional leadership.” The commander of the 60th OG is responsible for the daily operations for the Air Force’s largest air mobility wing, managing $10 billion in assets, as well as support activities such as air traffic control and airfield management. While the commander may be responsible for all those things, Johnson said mission success would be impossible without the dedication of 60th OG Airmen and he plans to take them to even greater heights. “To the men, women and families of the 60th OG, no matter the uniform or civilian attire you wear, on an ever-changing and uncertain world stage you bring the certainty of rapid global mobility,” Johnson said. “That provides options to our President and combatant commanders to achieve our nation’s security objectives. You accomplish your mission without fail and without bounds. “Global mobility is filled with a great history, the Hump, Berlin Airlift, Allied Force; every day you continue to add new passages to the ledger of mobility history,” Johnson continued. “Together, we will continue to take care of the 60th OG family to accomplish our mission while we actively seek opportunities to advance innovation to dominate challenges across the spectrum of mobility operations.” Col. Jeff Nelson, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander and the presiding officer for the ceremony, spoke highly of Johnson in his opening remarks. “Col. Johnson is bringing a wealth of Air Force and joint operations experience to Travis and we are excited for him to begin building his legacy here as he takes command of the 60th OG,” Nelson said. Johnson has served as a C-17 pilot, weapons school and Squadron Officer School instructor and he has held leadership positions on the U.S. Transportation Command staff, at the squadron level and beyond, Nelson added. “I am delighted to pass the guidon to Col. Johnson and I look forward to the continued excellence of the 60th OG,” he said. While Nelson said he is thrilled to welcome Johnson to command Air Mobility Command’s largest operations group, he also acknowledged that for the past two years, Col. Weems led the group with excellence. “The 60th OG has a storied history,” Nelson said. “It was originally a troop carrier group during World War II and has seen action in every major conflict since. Having the privilege of commanding this prestigious group is not something to take lightly. It is an honor to be selected to lead the men and women of the 60th OG and for the past two years, Col. Theresa Weems has done so with strength, poise and dignity. “The 60th OG has the best aircrews in the Air Force and without the dedication of the group’s Airmen, we would be unable to rapidly project American power anytime, anywhere,” he continued. “During her tenure, Col. Weems worked hard to set the stage for the KC-46 Pegasus. She managed a $235 million budget and she mentored and empowered more than 1,000 Airmen to innovate, lead and become experts in their craft. Her understanding of what it means to be an Airman, as well as an operator, has made this all possible.” Prior to the transfer of command, Nelson presented Weems with the Legion of Merit. According to the award citation, Weems led the 60th OG to generate more than 12,000 sorties, off-load 42.9 million pounds of fuel and deliver 93,600 tons of cargo in support of Operations Freedom’s Sentinel, Resolute Support and Inherent Resolve. The group was also essential in relief efforts after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma, Maria and Harvey. Weems delivered her remarks, while at times, fighting to contain her emotion. “When I showed up at officer training school 24 years ago, I never dreamed I would be completing a tour as a pilot, let alone as a commander,” Weems said. “As a late-to-rate officer, I’d been told that I would never command and would be very lucky to rise up to squadron director of operations, so that’s where I set my sights. “The fact I was given the honor of leading the largest operations group in Air Mobility Command and the responsibility of caring for and guiding these amazing military and civilian Airmen, is something that still amazes me and I don’t take lightly,” she continued. “I’ve enjoyed coming in to work, and although there are always lows to follow the highs in command, this group made my job look easy.” Weems thanked her squadron commanders, senior leaders, family and people who have impacted her career. She then highlighted the Airmen of the 60th OG, who she referred to as ‘superstars.’ “There are so many superstars in this group, it would take two years to mention each one and their accomplishments,” she said. “Please know that if you are part of the operations group – civilian, military; enlisted, officer; or contractor – you have my personal thanks for the job you do each and every day. You make a difference in the lives of your teammates and you make a difference in the defense of our Constitution. “Thank you for your warrior spirit, for your ceaseless efforts on behalf of our nation, and for your teamwork,” she added. “Getting to work with you has truly been the biggest honor of my life.” Weems’ next assignment will be at the Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, where she will serve as an instructor.