JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- New leadership assumed command throughout the 315th Airlift Wing during the September unit training assembly.
Col. Cherie Roff, 315th Mission Support Group commander, assumed command Sept. 13, 2015, at the Joint Base Charleston base theater in conjunction with two 315th Aerial Port Squadron changes of command ceremonies.
Lt. Col. Wesley Maxwell assumed command of the 38th APS and Maj. Thomas Klauer assumed command of the 81st APS.
“The 315th Airlift Wing is a phenomenal team with a legacy of excellence” said Roff. “I, along with the other new commanders are taking that legacy and building onto it, while creating the next layer to carry that legacy forward.”
Roff, who was promoted to colonel prior to assuming command of the 315th MSG, served as a deputy branch chief for the Strategic Capabilities and Planning, Directorate of Plans and Programs at Robins Air Force Base, Ga.
As commander of the 315th MSG, Roff is responsible for more than 657 officer, enlisted, and civilian personnel assigned to Security Forces, Force Support, Logistics Readiness Squadrons and the Civil Engineering Flight.
According to Roff, there are three concepts that’ll carry her through as 315th MSG commander and they echo the Air Force’s own core values:
- “Do it right every time … even when no one is watching you.”
- “Keep focused on the mission and the people.”
- “Excellence isn’t just a word, it’s an action.”
“I’m proud to be part of the critical global reach mission here,” added Roff, during her assumption of command. “And, specifically to the diverse and complex mission of the Mission Support Group.”
Roff acted as the reviewing official for the 315th APS changes of command, which took place moments after her assumption.
First, Lt. Col. Wesley Maxwell, a native of Salisbury, NC, took command of the 38th APS. The outgoing commander was Lt. Col. Peter Cevallos, Jr. As commander, Maxwell is responsible for all port operations and for organizing, training, and equipping assigned air transportation personnel to support global mobility operations.
“Commanding those in uniform is the greatest duty one could have,” said Maxwell. “I look forward to fulfilling my duties to the best of my abilities.”
Second, Maj. Thomas Klauer, a graduate of Rutgers University (’99), took command of the 81st APS. The outgoing commander was Col. Heather McCue. As commander, Klauer will also be responsible for all port operations, but for his respective squadron.
“With greater responsibility comes when you’re responsible for serving,” said Klauer, to the crowd. “And, I am committed to serving you all.”
The new commanders expressed that they are all excited about their journeys ahead.
“A leader’s responsibility is to support their Airmen,” said Roff. “There’s a talented group of people in Charleston, from the 315th AW to the joint mission partners, and I’m ready for the challenge.”