Ellsworth receives new wing commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern commander, officiated over the change of command ceremony here in Dock 33 where Col. Scott Vander Hamm assumed command of the 28th Bomb Wing from Col. Jeffry Smith, June 1. 

Colonel Vander Hamm was previously stationed at Dyess AFB as the 7th Operations Group commander. He has more than 4,100 combined flying hours in the B-1B, B-2A, B-52G/H, T-37, T-38, T-43 and KC-135. Some of his major awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters. 

"We [Ellsworth] will continue to move the ball forward and build a team without seams or warfighting capability gaps," said Colonel Vander Hamm in his change of command speech. "I take charge of the stewardship of the 28th Bomb Wing seriously. Command, authority and accountability of a wing are a great responsibility." 

Colonel Vander Hamm thanked the military and civilian communities for their continued support of Ellsworth and expressed his gratefulness for the support they provide to active, reserve, guard and government service employees as they prepare for and deploy the tools of their trade. 

"Never forget, we are a wing at war," said Colonel Vander Hamm. "I stand before you to pledge my allegiance to creating an environment where you can train to fight and provide you the resources to accomplish our mission. 

"Together, we will move our mission forward with our nations most precious resources, its son's and daughters, to safely but not without risk, either convince our enemies that giving up is the prudent thing to do or destroy them if they don't." 

Colonel Vander Hamm thanked each person of the 28th BW for serving their country. He expressed they are the reason we are the combat Air Forces' fighting center of excellence. 

Colonel Smith leaves Ellsworth after two years as commander of the 28th BW, commanding the largest B-1B combat wing in the U.S. Air Force, with 29 aircraft and more than 4,300 military and civilian members. Colonel Smith's next assignment is for the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. as the deputy director, Air Force Con Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. 

"I can't begin to thank you all enough for the tremendous service you have given this wing for the past two years of my tenure," said Colonel Smith. "Many have served longer, and many will continue to serve and I'm very grateful. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the team and to serve you with respect. I wish you and your families the very best."