Meet the new 91st Air Refueling Squadron commander

  • Published
  • By Thunderbolt Staff
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 6th Air Mobility Wing would like to welcome Lt. Col. James Dermer, the new commander for the 91st Air Refueling Squadron. Colonel Dermer took command of the unit in May.

Colonel Dermer took time out of his day to answer a few questions for the Thunderbolt in order for the base to get to know him better.

Thunderbolt: What do you expect of the Airmen under your command?
Colonel Dermer: I brief this to everybody. I expect them to be officers and enlisted Airmen FIRST. Being a good pilot, boom or SARMS professional is only one important aspect of their job. As an Air Force we ask much more, to include being physically fit, trained and ready to deploy at a moment's notice, and being committed to the development of our successors.

Thunderbolt: Who are your favorite leaders and role models?
Colonel Dermer: I had the privilege of working for so many outstanding leaders throughout my career. I worked for Col. Raymond Rottman as an executive officer in 2005. I remember the busy days, but more importantly, I remember the time he would carve out to mentor his people. I try to emulate his great mission-people focus.

Thunderbolt: What does it mean to you to be new 91st ARS commander?
Colonel Dermer: It's an amazing experience to transition from OSS command to now lead the 91st ARS. In today's volatile world, I'm blown away by the professionalism and the readiness of the men and woman of the 91st ARS. I look forward to working with all of our Airmen and their families.

Thunderbolt: When you hold your first commander's call what is the first thing you are going to tell your Airmen?
Colonel Dermer: I held my first commander's call a few hours after assuming command. I spoke of continuing the legacy of excellence they and Lt. Col. Brian Smith built. This is a strong squadron and we must continually look for opportunities to improve ourselves and stomp out mediocrity at every turn. We get there by being good Wingmen and supervisors and having the courage to do what is right.

Thunderbolt: What are your thoughts about MacDill and living in Tampa?
Colonel Dermer: Having lived on MacDill for the past year-and-a-half, we've come to know and love everything this community has to offer. This is one of the most military-friendly communities we've ever been a part of, and this base continues to go out of its way to improve the quality of life for all of our Airmen both at home and deployed.