BELLEVUE- Col. Kristen Thompson took over command of Offutt Air Force Base’s 55th Wing on Tuesday from Col. Gavin Marks — a pair of leaders who represent historic firsts for the 80-year-old reconnaissance unit. Thompson is the first woman among the 65 officers who have commanded the unit since it was established in January 1941; Marks was the first African American. He led the 55th Wing through a tumultuous time that included the early stages of recovery from the March 2019 floods and the historic COVID-19 pandemic. “You definitely left your mark on the 55th Wing,” said Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh, commander of the Texas-based 16th Air Force, who presided over the ceremony.

About 300 people, including Gov. Pete Ricketts, attended the ceremony at the base.

As he handed over command, Marks held Thompson’s arm aloft like a winning prizefighter, then gave her a long hug.

“You were born to lead. And this wing is ready for your leadership,” he said. Thompson, a 2001 graduate of the Air Force Academy, has accumulated more than 3,400 flight hours, including 600 combat hours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For the full article click HERE