Fightin' Fifty-Fifth welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Ryan Hansen
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The members of Fightin' Fifty-Fifth formally thanked their former commander and welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony here June 28.

Col. John Rauch took command of the 55th Wing, the largest wing in Air Combat Command, from Brig. Gen. Don Bacon during the deep-rooted, time-honored military ceremony inside the Bennie Davis Maintenance Facility.

Lt. Gen. Robin Rand, 12th Air Force commander, was the presiding official of the ceremony and said both the outgoing and incoming commanders embody characteristics that make great leaders and are a perfect fit for the wing.

"Today is a great day for the 55th Wing," he said. "These two men represent what military service is all about."

Rauch returns to Offutt after serving as the 552d Air Control Wing's commander at Tinker AFB, Okla. This is his sixth assignment with the wing, including a stint as the vice commander from June 2009 - July 2010.

"John has had a hell of an Air Force career," Rand said. "There is no higher honor for a colonel than wing commander, so being selected to command a second wing is rare and speaks volumes about how the Air Force values his leadership."

Rauch is a master navigator with more than 3,100 flight hours in the E-3B/C/G, RC-135U/V/W and T-43 and said he is proud and honored to take the helm as commander.

"I'd like to thank General Rand for his trust, confidence and leadership and for this opportunity to serve with the 55th Wing as its commander," he said.

Rauch said he looks forward to serving once again with the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth and executing its worldwide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; electronic attack; command and control; presidential support; and treaty verification missions.

"As we look at everything we're tasked to do and also preparing for future potential conflicts," he said, "I'm confident that by focusing on our mission, our people and by caring for our families, we will prevail."

Bacon leaves the wing for the Pentagon where he will be the director of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance strategy, plans, doctrine and force development.

"I have served with a great team, a great community, great Wingman and a great family as well," he said. "We're all very blessed with a great mission of serving our nation and defending our freedom."

Rand said when he saw Bacon upon landing at Offutt for this ceremony, he knew that his time as commander meant a lot to him and he gave it everything he had.

"I know the 55th will always hold a special place in his heart, not just because he believes in the mission, but because he has commanded here at every level - squadron, group and now wing," Rand said.

"The superior performance of the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth is direct reflection of his leadership," he continued. "He should leave here knowing his leadership and mission accomplishments have had a lifelong impression on the hearts and minds of our Airmen."

This is the second straight time the new commander has had deep ties with the wing and that helps with the transition into leadership.

"(John) has time invested in this wing and has served here at all ranks other than major, so he knows your business" Rand said. "His reputation is known throughout the Air Force, and Offutt is extremely fortunate to have him as their 55th Wing commander."

As commander of the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth, Rauch is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping six groups and 32 squadrons around the world.