MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- U.S. Air Force Col. Kurt A. Matthews assumed command of the 927th Air Refueling Wing, during the assumption of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 11, 2021.
As the wing commander, Matthews takes on leadership of over 1,000 military and civilian members. The wing supports three groups and 10 subordinate squadrons. He will also be responsible for supporting the Air Force mission of expanding the global reach of air power by providing global air refueling and airlift operations.
The presiding officer of the ceremony, Maj. General Jeffrey T. Pennington, 4th Air Force commander, spoke about Matthews after the presentation of the colors and the ceremony's invocation.
“I was elated to find out Matthews volunteered for this assignment,” said Pennington. “When you have a leader that serves with passion, has an incredible resume and performance in everything they’ve done; it is easy as a leader to say “That is the right person for the job”.
Before arriving at MacDill, Matthews was the vice commander of the 22nd Air Force at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, leading more than 12,000 Citizen Airmen, civilians and contractors organized in 13 units spread across the United States .
“Everything I’ve done in my career has lead me here to the 927th to be successful in this moment,” said Matthews. “All my successes and all my failures that I’ve learned from along the way I’m bringing that with me so that I can work with you through these tough times.”
Matthew concluded his comments by adding, “I look forward to building and learning from the 927th your lessons and successes, so we can go forward and be the best wing in the reserve.”