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Commander returns for fourth tour at Tinker

  • Published
  • By Brandice Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., --  The 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron has a new commander. Lt. Col. Richard Boyd succeeded Lt. Col. Jay Bickley in a change of command ceremony July 8.

Held at Bldg. 230's Dock 2, approximately 500 Airmen attended the ceremony.

"Today marks the beginning of a journey that will ask much of you and your family," said Col. George Carpenter, 552nd Operations Group commander and the ceremony's presiding officer. "You have been given a rare opportunity to serve as a squadron commander [and] you'll be entrusted with an outstanding squadron with a long [history] of operations successes. You are the right commander at the right time."

Colonel Boyd is a familiar face at Tinker. This is his fourth assignment at the base. The colonel first arrived in 1997 to be the E-3 weapons director, senior director, deputy chief of Weapons and Tactics, Chief Weapons and Tactics for the 963th Airborne Air Control Squadron. Upon completion of the assignment in July 2001, he left Tinker. He returned to the base in June 2005 to be the assistant director of operations for the 963rd AACS. In March 2007, he was promoted to director of operations.

"Thank you for your trust and confidence to assume command of such an outstanding squadron," Colonel Boyd said. "I am honored and humbled to be given this opportunity to lead this group of outstanding American heroes."

In addition to the guidon exchange, officials also ceremoniously unveiled Colonel Boyd's name on the squadron's E-3.

Colonel Bickley, who led the squadron since June 2006, is leaving Tinker to attend the National War College in Washington, D.C.

"You performed brillantly as the commander of the 964th," said Colonel Carpenter. "Your dynamic leadership and commitment to operational excellence has taken the 964th to new heights and firmly established your squadron as the one that sets the standards for others to follow."

Colonel Bickley said he enjoyed his time as commander and wishes only the best of luck to his successor and troops.

"Since [my wife] Karla and I entered the squadron, we have tried to establish a family atmosphere and we have grown very attached to 322 extended family members, so giving up command is very difficult," said Colonel Bickley. "It is very hard to say goodbye, but knowing we are handing over the reigns to such an amazing team makes it easier."