Fightin' Fifty-Fifth welcomes new commander

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  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The members of Fightin' Fifty-Fifth said farewell to their former commander and welcomed a new one during a change of command ceremony June 1 at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

U.S. Air Force Col. Marty Reynolds took command of the 55th Wing, the largest wing in Air Combat Command, from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory Guillot during the time-honored military ceremony inside the Bennie Davis Maintenance Facility.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, 25th Air Force commander, was the presiding official of the ceremony. He said while nothing at all, other than time in the seat, can properly prepare someone to take command of the wing's mission due to its scope, scale, complexity, challenges and opportunities, there's no doubt Reynolds is the perfect choice.

"Marty has long, deep roots in this wing going back to 2001 when he was a Compass Call pilot and this will be the third time he's worked for me," Shanahan said. "So trust me when I say that you are fortunate to have him."

Reynolds transitions to the wing from the 55th Electronic Combat Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, where he served as commander from June 2013 to May 2015. The 55th ECG is one of the wing's six groups.

"Marty's record is tremendous," Shanahan said, "and he's the right leader at the right time for this wing."

Reynolds is a 1992 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and an evaluator pilot with more than 2,100 flying hours in the EC-130E/H, C-130E/H, T-38 and T-37.

"To the outstanding Airmen of the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth, I cannot describe how excited I am to be here today," Reynolds said. "The depth, breath and impact of this wing across the globe is simply amazing."

Throughout his career, Reynolds has served in a multitude of roles within the 55th Wing community, compiling nearly ten years of service with the 55th ECG.

"I've been a part of the 55th Wing since 2001, but this will be the first time my family and I will actually live and serve here," he said. "I have big shoes to fill and I promise you my family and I are fully committed to you and your families."

Guillot leaves the wing for Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, where he will serve as the director of strategy, plans and programs for Pacific Air Forces A5/8.

"Despite an unrelenting operations tempo, unparalleled fiscal constraints and a global sphere of control for this wing that is simply daunting, Greg's leadership has been instrumental to this wing's success," Shanahan said.

Shanahan awarded Guillot with the Legion of Merit during the ceremony as a result of his leadership of the wing since June 2013.

"As a testament to his terrific leadership during his time in command, the wing has earned astounding recognition at every level -- 26 numbered Air Force-level awards, 76 Air Combat Command awards and eight Air Force awards -- all culminating with the Meritorious Unit Award," Shanahan said.

"It's been a true honor leading this wing," Guillot said.  "I look forward to watching your future successes and I will always be proud to be associated with you and the 55th Wing."

Guillot closed by thanking the Airmen of the 55th for the dedication and told them they're in good hands with Reynolds.

"His ties to the wing are very strong and you're all very lucky to have him," he said.
As commander of the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth, Reynolds is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping six groups and 32 squadrons around the world.