Kozak takes command of 349th AMW - New commander to focus wing on mission execution, readiness

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Stephen J. Collier
  • 349th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Col. Raymond Kozak had three words for members of the 349th Air Mobility Wing Aug. 8: readiness, readiness, readiness.

"These are the three-most important things in the Air Force Reserve," Kozak said. "Readiness all the time and it's what we do."

Kozak, a native of San Jose, California, focused on his theme of mission execution and member readiness after taking command of the 349th AMW during a change of command ceremony here.

"What a great honor it is to take command of this outstanding organization," he said. "The primary duty of commanders is mission execution. You can expect one of my themes over the next couple of years will be looking at mission execution."

The new commander also focused on the 349th AMW's history of supporting air mobility operations, whether at war or in peacetime.

"The 349th has a long history of providing ... the sort of things that go into air mobility, like wartime call ups and natural disasters. And we need to be prepared for more. Those wartime call ups and natural disasters are going to keep happening."

The ceremony, presided over by Maj. Gen. John Flournoy, Jr., 4th Air Force commander, provided wing members, active duty leaders from throughout Travis AFB and community members the opportunity to see the time-honored tradition of the passing of command from one leader to another. Kozak took command of the wing from Col. Matthew Burger, who led the more than 3,000-person organization since January 2013.

Burger transitions to the Pentagon where he will be the Air Force Reserve Command division chief for programs and requirements.

Quoting former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates from his recent autobiography "Duty," Kozak echoed Gate's take on security: "our security needs and responsibilities remain global."

When we think about global reach and global power, combined with rapid global mobility, you get the theme of global, global, global. Three different places through three different ways. We're at the right place with the right tools; what an awesome opportunity to be practitioners of global reach."

Flournoy thanked Burger for his leadership, through both good and trying times.

"You've lead this organization through some pretty rough times," the general said. "Through sequestration, through the furloughs and through the C-5M transition which was very tasking. Also, this is the only mobility wing in the Air Force Reserve that has a received the highly effective grade on the new unit effectiveness inspection. That's a testament to every one of you sitting in this room on your hard work."

Flournoy then addressed wing members, praising Kozak's many previous assignments in all segments of the Air Force, whether on active duty, in the AF Reserve and even the Air National Guard.

"You're getting one heck of a team with (Kozak) and [his wife] Maureen," he said. "He's going to lead this wing to new heights."

To see the video visit: http://dvidshub.net/r/wxc6ei