6th OSS welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mariette M. Adams
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
 Lt. Col. Chesley Dycus assumed command of the 6th Operations Support Squadron from Lt. Col. Travis Diltz during a change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 4, 2016.

Before the ceremonial gesture of handing off the unit guidon, Diltz received a Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding service during his tenure as the unit commander. Under his leadership, his team participated in a fuel savings effort that resulted in more than $1.3 million saved, and they were recognized as Air Mobility Command's 2015 Fuel Efficiency Operations Team of the Year.

The assuming commander thanked Diltz for all his hard work and for giving him a fantastic team.

Moving forward, Col. William Stowe, the commander of the 6th Operations Group, has high hopes for the future.

"Chesley has extensive experience in all aspects of the Air Mobility Command's mission with an emphasis in operational leadership, and I have complete confidence in his ability to command the 6th OSS' vision and purpose," explained Stowe. "He will do so with Lauren, his wife, and family by his side, the men and women of the 6th OSS, Team MacDill and those of the 927th Air Refueling Wing, to take our total force team to new heights."

During the ceremony, Dycus thanked family, friends and fellow Airmen. Dycus went on to outline the priorities, values and vision he has for the squadron.

"I think people, at least professionally, want two things," said Dycus. "They want to know someone cares about them, and they want to know that their work matters; that the sacrifices they and their families make are for something worthwhile.

"Lauren and I want to spend all of our energy ensuring that you have those two things. You deserve someone to make sure you are taken care of and who never forgets how important work and sacrifice is to our name, our Air Force and our great nation. It's an honor and a privilege to join and serve alongside each of you."