LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Col. John J. Allen Jr. assumed command of the 633rd Air Base Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, in a ceremony at Langley Air Force Base, Va., April 22.
As the colors passed between the two colonels in a time-honored tradition, so did the responsibility for the 37,000 Service members, civilian employees and their families serving at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, a duty Allen does not take lightly.
"As we stare down a future marked with challenge and opportunity, it comforts me to know that we have that professionalism and leadership from which to draw as we continue to deliver world-class mission support to our partners on JBLE and around the region," Allen said during the change of command.
Although many challenges exist, including the current fiscal climate, Allen believes his predecessors and the two installations' past teamwork creates a strong foundation to build on.
"We've been through challenges like this," he said. "But I would argue that we came out stronger, thanks to the ingenuity of our Airmen and Soldiers, and our civilian Airmen and Soldiers at this joint base."
Allen also recognized the important support the surrounding communities provide to the mission.
"It is clear to me that this joint installation enjoys strong community ties," he said, "I look forward to joining with you and maintaining those ties."
Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 9th Air Force commander, believes Allen is the right person for the job, highlighting his past responsibilities as the senior military assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, and commander of the 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineering Group in Southwest Asia.
"You bring a leadership style that's been steeped in jointness, that enhances the transparency and cooperation that we need and you've got a proven track record of success," Wells said. "To the men and women of the 633rd Air Base Wing, you're going to remain in strong and steady hands."
Allen previously served at Langley Air Force Base as part of the 1st Civil Engineer Squadron. He is a 1990 graduate of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., where he earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and his commission from the Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Col. Korvin D. Auch, who commanded the wing since June 2011, transferred to U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., as the director of manpower and personnel.