GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- U.S. Air Force Col. Michael L. Downs assumed command of the 17th Training Wing during a change of command ceremony held at the parade field, July 14.
Downs took command from Col. Kimberlee P. Joos who will retire later this month.
"I cannot think of an Airman better prepared to take this wing than colonel Michael Downs," said Brown. “Colonel Downs is an accomplished leader already steeped in command and well respected in the intelligence community. He comes to us from a select tour with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where in this critical position he was involved at the strategic level with issues of great significance affecting our daily lives. This very recent operational and strategic experience means that he is the perfect choice for the shaping and reflection of new intelligence officers.”
Maj. Gen. Mark A. Brown, 2nd Air Force Commander, presided over the ceremony, and conducted the change of command.
Downs commissioned in 1992 through the ROTC program at Texas A&M, College Station, Texas with a Bachelor of Political Science. He graduated as a ROTC Distinguished Graduate, is a graduate of the Air Command Force and Staff College, Air War College, Naval Command and Staff College.
He’s served in 18 joint and combined operations and exercises in Central Command, European Command, Pacific Command and Southern Command area of responsibilities. He has also served in an array of capacities ranging from Director of Intelligence for a Joint Special Operations Task Force in the Balkans to chief developer of the Joint Integrated Prioritized Target List during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Downs expressed his gratitude of his selection for the assignment, and outlined his goals as commander of the 17th TRW.
"I can’t tell you what an honor it is to work for the Goodfellow members here on this base and with the local San Angelo community leaders,” said Downs. “Being the 17th Training Wing Commander is truly an honor for me. I fully understand the trust you place in me, and I take seriously the sacredness of command and will execute it up to the most of my abilities.”
Downs touched on the importance and relevance of Goodfellow’s mission.
“Peace and prosperity will only exist if it is defended with strength, courage and conviction,” said Downs. “Men and women of team Goodfellow, you play a critical role in defending America. And conduct missions that are vital to defeating the enemy and many threats that affect our nation today and deterring the myriad of others which could harm our way of life in the future.”
Downs is the 45th base commander and commands four groups including three geographically separated units.