LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Col. Eric Axelbank took command of the 37th Training Wing during a formal ceremony at the Air Force Basic Military Training parade grounds Monday.
Maj. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog, 2nd Air Force commander, was the presiding official at the event. Colonel Axelbank replaces Col. William H. Mott V.
"Today is bittersweet as we say farewell to a dynamic command team, Col. Bif Mott and Laurie," General Hertog said. "It is also an exciting time for another Air Force standout, Col. Eric Axelbank and his wife Iang, as we welcome them into the 2nd Air Force and Air Education and Training Command family."
Colonel Axelbank said the occasion was very special with his parents and family in attendance as he became commander of the Air Force's largest training wing. His mother and father, a retired senior master sergeant, came from Hawaii for the event.
"I would unequivocally say this is the best day I've had in the Air Force since I was commissioned," Colonel Axelbank said. "I've had some great moments throughout my career, but having my father and family here, it truly doesn't get any better than that.
"And there is no better place than the 37th Training Wing."
Colonel Axelbank reflected on the day's historic significance at the ceremony and introduced his vision for the wing.
"Sixty-seven years ago (June 6, 1944) the commencement of Operation Overlord (D-Day) began," he said. "What an incredible day. I'm honored beyond words to take command of this historic, significant, highly visible wing.
"Our vision will be to achieve 'The Training Standard of Excellence.' As the Gateway to the Air Force, I am 100 percent committed to producing the highest quality warrior Airmen of character."
To execute the commander's vision, four priorities are the foundation: shape the Air Force with warrior Airmen of character, strengthen joint and coalition partnerships, build and support the world's best training platform, and safety always.
Colonel Axelbank arrives at Lackland after serving as 65th Air Base Wing vice commander at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal.
Previous assignments include positions as deputy chief, Integrated Life Cycle Management Policy Division, Directorate of Logistics, Headquarters United States Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., and as chief of operations, Drawdown Fusion Center, Multi-National Force-Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq.