Meet the new 6th AMW commander

  • Published
  • By Col. Scott DeThomas
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Col. Scott DeThomas assumed command of the 6th Air Mobility Wing July 27. He took time out to introduce himself to the MacDill community and answered a few questions from the Thunderbolt.

Thunderbolt: What do you expect of the Airmen under your command?

DeThomas: Be fit, be ready, and be part of the solution to the challenges we face today and in the future. Finally, I expect the highest level of professionalism and care from each of you. You are all valuable members of this great team, please remember to always take care of one another.

Thunderbolt: Who are your favorite leaders and role models and why?

DeThomas: I do not have one favorite leader, but there are definitely some common traits I attribute to the many great officers, enlisted, and civilian leaders I've been exposed to over my career--honesty, integrity, humility, compassion for our Airmen and their families, empowerment of peers and subordinates to lead, respect for each other, and willingness to make tough decisions after weighing all the options and inputs from the experts.

Thunderbolt: What does it mean to you to be new commander?

DeThomas: Extremely honored and humbled by this selection and opportunity to lead this great Team of Mobility Warriors at the 6th Air Mobility Wing alongside our total force integration partners at the 927th Air Refueling Wing, while providing world class support to our base's mission partners and to be part of this great community of Tampa.

Thunderbolt: When you hold your first commander's call what is the first thing you are going to tell your Airmen?

DeThomas: Thank you. Thank you for your service and sacrifice and the many contributions you and your families provide on behalf of this great nation and the finest Air Force on the face of the planet. The second thing would be "great job" in your efforts to remain conspicuously compliant over this past year, your efforts are evident throughout the wing-- keep it up!

Thunderbolt: What are your thoughts about MacDill and living in Tampa?

DeThomas: Ecstatic! My family and I are extremely excited by the chance to live on such a beautiful base with an incredible mission surrounded by the phenomenal community of Tampa. It truly is the perfect storm of base, mission, and community-- all three are outstanding!