LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
In a ceremony here, Col. Korvin D. Auch will relinquish command of the 633rd Air Base Wing to Col. John J. Allen Jr., senior military assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, April 22.
During his time as commander, Auch supported a number of unique missions at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. But for him, people also played a significant role in his experience here.
"My favorite memories are of getting out and learning what the troops do every day," he said. "What our troops accomplish, what they sacrifice on an individual level, is impressive."
He reached out to Service members, learning CPR with members of the 633rd Medical Group, certifying as a train conductor with the 733rd Civil Engineer Division and laying telephone cable with the 633rd Communications Squadron.
"It meant a lot for him to take the time to get a good understanding of what we do in the field," said Staff Sgt. Scott Duncan, 633rd CS cable and antennae systems technician.
From providing installation support to preparing Airmen and Soldiers for missions overseas, Auch acknowledged the importance of teamwork.
"There's an amazing diversity of missions here," Auch said. "And you can't run a base like this without those who wear the three distinct types of uniforms; military, contractors and civilians."
Auch has seen the importance of teamwork at JBLE through challenges like Hurricane Sandy and the current economic climate.
"When it really matters, our people rally," he said. "Those tough situations let me know that we have the right people on the team to make the way in difficult times."
Auch hopes to take the experiences and lessons learned at JBLE and apply them as the director of manpower and personnel with the U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
"Looking back on what we've accomplished, I can't describe how proud I am to have had this opportunity," he said. "It doesn't matter what uniform you wear, there are great people committed to great missions. It's been a blast to work with that diversity. "
The change of command ceremony is scheduled to take place at 2:33 p.m. in the 94th Fighter Squadron hangar. Maj. Gen. Lawrence L. Wells, commander of the 9th Air Force, will preside over the event. Afterward, attendees are invited to a reception at the Langley Club.