Weapons School welcomes new commandant

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Siuta B. Ika
  • 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  The U.S. Air Force Weapons School welcomed a new commandant during a change of command ceremony here, May 26.

During the ceremony, command of the USAFWS was passed from Col. Adrian Spain to Col. Michael Drowley.

The presiding official of the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Christopher Short, 57th Wing commander, welcomed all in attendance before speaking about the Weapons School's effects on the Air Force and Department of Defense.

"The United States Air Force Weapons School is an organization that builds tactical experts, integration specialists, senior-leader advisors, and the future leaders of our Air Force," said Short. "The Weapons School upholds the high standards of integrity, service and excellence that keeps our Air Force combat ready for tomorrow's fight. This organization produces the instructions that pave the way for joint integration, realistic training and innovative tactic development, increasing our combat capability across our Air Force and across our DOD."

Short then listed some of the Weapons School's accomplishments during the past two years under Spain's command -- which include standing up the 29th Weapons Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, and graduating the most weapons officers for a single year in the school's 66-year history despite dealing with the institution's most significant restructure since the Vietnam War -- before speaking about Spain's lasting legacy on the USAFWS.

The general closed his speech by welcoming Drowley, who comes to Nellis AFB from the Pentagon, where he served as the senior plans advisor to the Secretary of Defense.

After Short's remarks, Spain -- whose next assignment is at Eglin AFB, Florida, as the 53rd Wing commander -- thanked his family for their support throughout his command tenure and addressed the men and women of the Weapons School.

"A lot has happened over the past two years to improve this school," said Spain.  "You all have done a ton of work to make it all happen.

"The course delivers a better graduate for our Air Force and our warfighting capability because of your expertise and your dedication.  It's been the honor of my professional life to have served as the commandant of the Weapons School with you."

After Spain's speech, the two colonels joined Short center stage for the official guidon passing, signaling the official start of Drowley's command. The USAFWS flagship was then renamed and Drowley -- who served at Nellis AFB as a USAFWS instructor in 2004, the 57th WG's chief of fighter standardization and evaluation in 2006, and the commander of the 66th Weapons Squadron in 2011 -- gave his first remarks as commandant of the Weapons School.

"I want (everyone) to know you'll get 110 percent from me to serve you guys in accomplishing the mission and building humble, credible, approachable graduates, building teams and leading from our instructor cadre, and transforming and inspiring our combat power," Drowley said.  "Thank you for everything you do every day and thank you for everything you're going to do as we join this journey together. I can't wait to get on board with you guys."