Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas -- Col. Scott Rowe took command of the 12th Flying Training Wing from Col. Mark Robinson during a change of command ceremony July 27, 2020 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.
Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, presided over the change of command ceremony where Airmen, mission partners and civic leaders attended to show their support.
Wills opened the ceremony by honoring the 12th FTW and praising Robinson’s dedication to the mission and his confidence in Rowe’s leadership as the new commander.
“Col. Robinson’s strategic savvy, calm and clear demeanor and thoughtful approach to solving problems are well known by this wing and the Air Force, he is a true professional” said Wills. “Over the last two years he has lead the way on innovation and executing the mission, he’s helped bring Pilot Training Next to a reality and took the lessons of PTN and formed a new system called Undergraduate Pilot Training 2.5 the most significant update to our pilot training system in seven decades. He executed more than 180,000 sorties and graduated more than 5,500 aviators for our Air Force in the last two years, make no mistake these are historic accomplishments.”
After his speech, Wills decorated Robinson with the Legion of Merit for his outstanding service as the wing commander and opened the floor for parting remarks.
“I’m grateful that Air Education and Training Command and 19th Air Force leaders entrusted me to command such a complex wing – 16 ops squadrons spread out over 4 locations, each with its own unique mission set, plus 3 incredibly mission-demanding maintenance squadrons” said Robinson. “Commanding the men and women of the 12th FTW has been the personal and professional privilege of a lifetime. I wish nothing but the greatest success and achievement for the Mighty 12th in the future. I’ll be watching you and cheering from afar, thank you.”
Wills then presided over the passing of the guidon to Rowe, solidifying his confidence in him as the new commander.
“Col. Rowe has a phenomenal reputation as a leader, instructor pilot, strategist and forward thinker,” said Wills. “You will find no better leader prepared to take on the challenges of the 12th FTW than Col. Rowe, his combat experience, strategic savvy and world famous servant leadership will be a perfect fit here, he will truly take the wing to the next level. Congratulations on your new command, you have my full confidence and support.”
As the new commander, Rowe addressed those in attendance, thanking them for their support.
“I am fortunate and honored to have the opportunity to command the 12th FTW. I am from a small town in Mississippi and it never occurred to me something like this was possible” said Rowe. “I have been lucky to have quality mentors who gave me opportunities to prove myself, and I am grateful to them for helping put me in this position. I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility for ensuring that the members of the 12th FTW have the tools they need to accomplish a no-fail mission, I have a lot to learn and I am excited for the challenge, thank you.”