Col. Arwood assumes command of 95th Air Base Wing

  • Published
  • By Laura Mowry
  • Staff Writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Surrounded by an impressive display of 95th Air Base Wing assets, Team Edwards gathered June 29 in Hangar 1600 to watch Col. Amy V. Arwood assume command of the 95th Air Base Wing. Arwood has the distinct honor of serving as the final 95th ABW commander before the Edwards community transitions in accordance with the Air Force Materiel Command's 5-Center consolidation scheduled for July 13.

Arwood's critical role in the 95th ABW transition during the consolidation initiative dates back to June of last year when she began serving as vice commander. Since then, she has worked to ensure a seamless transition, and now as wing commander, will oversee the transition process and function as a legacy commander until the 5-Center consolidation reaches initial operating capability October 1.

"Every challenge is an opportunity that I will take full on. There is no greater example of what's going to happen in the next two weeks than the power of two great teams coming together and I'm really excited to see what the 412th [Test Wing] and 95th will become in the next year," said Arwood.

In the next two weeks, the 95th ABW and the 412th TW will join forces as the Air Force Flight Test Center transitions to the Air Force Test Center. The 5-Center consolidation not only better integrates the workforce, but saves taxpayers approximately $109 million annually.

In addition to overseeing the 5-Center construct transition process for the 95th ABW, Arwood, who serves as the installation commander, is responsible for operating the base and providing top-notch support for more than 12,000 active duty, reserve, civil service, Marine, Army, NASA and contractors at the U.S. Air Force's second largest base, which encompasses 308,000 acres.

She is responsible for the installation's infrastructure, communication systems, security, medical support, manpower support, housing, education, chapel and quality of life programs.

"To the Edwards community, both on and off base, active duty, civilian, and especially the men and women of the 95th Air Base Wing; I promise you my steadfast commitment and focus on Airmen and their families," said Arwood. "I, like those before me, have a passion for our Air Force, for our Airmen, and for Edwards. I promise you, no matter how long or short I am your commander, you have my attention, you have my focus and you have my unwavering commitment."

Brig. Gen. Arnold W. Bunch Jr., AFFTC commander, presided over the change of command ceremony, during which Col. Gregory E. Schwab, 95th ABW former commander, relinquished command.

During the ceremony, Bunch recognized Schwab's service and commitment to Team Edwards, noting that his leadership will undoubtedly have a lasting impact.

"Greg, you have done a tremendous job not only for Edwards, but for this nation's defense. My only regret is that we were not afforded the opportunity to work together longer," said Bunch. "You have left an indelible mark on this installation that will be seen for many, many, many years to come. You have passed the caldron test that we put leaders through with flying colors. We wish you and your family all the best in your new assignment."

Bunch highlighted Arwood's career, noting that not only have her assignments prepared her for command, but her familiarity to the unique opportunities presenting themselves today and tomorrow make Arwood the ideal commander to lead the 95th ABW through the upcoming transition to the 5-Center consolidation.

"While saying goodbye to the Schwabs is tough, there is no one more prepared to seize the reins of the 95th Air Base Wing than Colonel Amy Arwood," said Bunch.

"It is that part of service before self and commitment to duty that reflects on the leadership that she has and the 'get it done' attitude that Amy's going to bring to this position. Colonel Arwood has served almost a year as the vice commander under [Colonel] Schwab and is intimately familiar with the opportunities the 95th faces today and tomorrow," Bunch continued. "She has been an integral member of the team planning the details behind the merger of the two wings and has already identified and resolved countless items associated with the merger."

Before wrapping up his remarks, Bunch reminded the Edwards community that everyone has an important role to play in the upcoming transition, including Arwood, who will continue to play a critical role in the seamless merging of the 95th ABW and the 412th TW.

"Each of us has an important role to make this merger successful as it is one of the cornerstones of Air Force Materiel Command's reorganization and the successful transition from the Air Force Flight Test Center to the Air Force Test Center," said Bunch.

"Amy will play a critical role in seeing all the planning the teams have accomplished over the past year come to successful fruition as we continue to provide world-class support to all of Team Edwards and continue to answer the call to provide deployers around the world as we transition. She is the perfect person to lead the 95th ABW through the merger, but her duties will not stop there."