MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Team MacDill held a redesignation ceremony commencing the transition of the 6th Air Mobility Wing to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, effective Oct. 1, 2019.
The event, held at the community park here, marks the host wing’s first redesignation since the 6th AMW moved here from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska in 1993.
The change comes with the departure of MacDill’s C-37A Gulfstream jets and the deactivation of the historic 310th Airlift Squadron.
“With the deactivation of the 310th, our wing's sole air operations mission is once again, air refueling,” said Col. Stephen Snelson, the 6th ARW commander, speaking to the attending crowd. “Our name may be new, but our mission is still delivering unmatched air refueling, and installation and mission support.”
Snelson spoke of the history of MacDill and the wings that have come and gone over the years, but assured the crowd that the presiding focus remained the same.
“We will remain the Air Force’s best air refueling wing,” said Snelson. “But more importantly our exceptional Airmen also remain the same. They are what matters and what defines this wing, not a sign at the front gate or what planes are on our ramp.”
Honored guests in attendance included Florida’s 14th Congressional Representative, Kathy Castor, as well as the City of Tampa Mayor, Jane Castor, who both delivered speeches thanking all those who came to recognize the wing’s transition.
“I give my word in my position as mayor that I will do everything in my power to ensure that this base has everything that it needs and we continue to have the best relationship that a base and community can have anywhere in the world,” said Mayor Castor.
The ceremony concluded with Mayor Castor proclaiming Monday, Sept. 30, 2019 as “6th Air Refueling Wing Day” in Tampa, expressing gratitude for the service of the men and women of Team MacDill.