100th ARW changes command

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Col. Kenneth T. Bibb Jr., 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, accepted command of the 100th ARW June 19, 2013, on RAF Mildenhall, England.

Replacing Col. Christopher Kulas, Bibb most recently served as the vice commander of the 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Serving for more than 21 years, Bibb is a command pilot with more than 4,500 flying hours.

The ceremony, a formation of the squadrons which comprise the 100th ARW, served as an opportunity to bid farewell to Kulas, and welcome the new commander.

In his final remarks to the base Kulas commanded for the past two years, it was clear the Airmen, civilian and British members of Team Mildenhall will leave a lasting impression on him.

"I've never seen anything as such a tight knit community as Team Mildenhall," said Kulas, who will transfer to the Pentagon as the director of Air Force colonel management. "You are an amazing, welcoming atmosphere."

The presiding officer, Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin, 3rd Air Force commander, performed the change of command. Taking the 100th ARW guidon from Kulas, symbolizing the relinquishing of command, Franklin passed it to Bibb. As the new commander accepted the guidon, the symbol on assuming command, Bibb stood among his charges as installation commander of RAF Mildenhall.

"A change of command is a distinct, emotional day," Franklin said. "We're sad to say goodbye to an outgoing command team that's been fabulous. But it's also a feeling of excitement to see a new commander come in."

Following the change of command, Bibb spoke to the formation of Team Mildenhall Airmen gathered for the ceremony.

"It is an honor to take command of this incredible wing," Bibb said. "I look forward to building upon the many achievements that the 'Bloody Hundreth' is known for."

With Bibb in command, RAF Mildenhall enters a new era, and with this, a new wing vision and direction.