An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Rescue wing gets new leadership

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt Anna-Marie Wyant
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Col. Jeffrey "Skinny" Macrander took command of the 920th Rescue Wing from Col. Robert "BDU" Dunn in a change of command ceremony here Sept. 11.

Maj. Gen. Frank Padilla, 10th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony, which commenced at 9:20 a.m. In his remarks, he recognized the significance of the day, which marked the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York Sept. 11, 2001.

"Who can forget where they were on that terrible day?" Padilla asked the crowd. "Every one of us knows where we were... and what we've experienced since then."

He thanked the Airmen in the crowd for staying vigilant and professional during this time of war.

"Here I am, standing before you, humbled to be in front of the greatest rescue wing I know," he said. "You people are amazing."

He also spoke highly of Dunn, recognizing the symbiotic relationship wing members have with their commander: each drives the other to be even better. Padilla said he knows Dunn has much pride in all his Airmen have accomplished since he took command in May 2010.

"We celebrate (Dunn) passing into retirement. He's going to walk out of here... with a smile on his face, quite a bit of spring in his step, very very proud of all his accomplishments that you all helped him do," Padilla said. "And I'd like to thank Colonel Dunn and his wife Ruth for all that they've done for us."

Although he emphasized the difficulty in replacing Dunn, Padilla said he has faith the unit will flourish under its new commander as well.

"Colonel Jeffrey 'Skinny' Macrander is no rookie," Padilla said. "He is the right guy for this job... He has my absolute, complete confidence. ...If you show Skinny Macrander excellence you've showed BDU Dunn, then this place is going to be absolutely awesome."

In his last time addressing the wing as their commander, Dunn thanked his Airmen for making his experience with the wing such a positive one.

"The opportunity I had here as a wing commander was just awesome--thank you for that," Dunn said. "It's a dream come true, and I loved every minute of it."

He challenged Macrander and the wing to stay vigilant because rescue is a vital military mission. He also acknowledged Macrander's leadership abilities and wished him well in his new position.

"I cannot think of a better man to take over the wing," Dunn said to Macrander. "I know you will take it to heights I couldn't even dream of. They will be a better wing for your presence... This is going to be the greatest experience of your life. Welcome."

Macrander addressed his wing for the first time as their leader. He told them he wants them to keep up the great work and continue working hard, and he will work hard for them as well. He told the wing, which represents 20 percent of the U.S. combat rescue capability, the operational tempo will be high, but they must all diligently work together to face any upcoming challenges.

"We have to be prepared to go anywhere, anytime, and I know you are," Macrander said. "What I ask of you, all of you, is to stay focused on the mission, keep each other safe... because we need each and every one of you to be part of this mission."