RICKENBACKER AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ohio -- The 121st Air Refueling Wing held a Change of Command ceremony on base Nov. 5, 2023.
During the ceremony, Col. Andrew Powers assumed command of the 121st ARW from Col. Scott Lerdon. Brig. Gen. David Johnson, Ohio Assistant Adjutant General for Air was the presiding officer.
Prior to taking command of the 121st ARW, Powers served as the commander of the 178th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group. He is a command pilot with approximately 2,775 flight hours.
“Over the next few years, we’ll encourage each other to push ourselves to new heights,” said Powers during his address to the wing. “Know you, our Airmen, are my highest priority.”
Lerdon took command of the 121st ARW in June 2021 and is moving on to a position with Ohio State Headquarters. He is a command pilot with over 4,200 flight hours.
“I always say talk is cheap and results matter,” said Lerdon. “I’m proud to say in my time, we have all backed the talk with results… to the state, to the nation and to the world. I know you will continue to do so. The proudest part of my military career has been serving as your wing commander, and I thank you all.”
The 121st ARW is composed of approximately 1,300 Airmen. The unit aims to be the most effective and reliable Air Refueling Wing in the United States Air Force, delivering combat-ready Airmen, unwavering nuclear deterrence, and the first response to the security and defense of our state and nation.