SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --
Col. Christopher Freeman took command of the 414th Fighter Group July 11, during a change of command ceremony officiated by Col. Kurt J. Gallegos, 944th Fighter Wing commander.
During the ceremony, Freeman thanked Col. Kevin "Uncle" Fesler, outgoing 414th FG commander, for setting him up for success.
"My one hope would be that the 414th Fighter Group would continue on the road that 'Uncle' built," said Freeman. "We've got an extremely talented cadre of airmen and it's amazing."
Freeman has been a part of Air Reserve Component at Seymour Johnson since May 2009. He has served as 333rd Fighter Squadron director of operations, 307th Fighter Squadron commander and the 414th Maintenance Squadron commander prior to taking command of the 414th FG.
"We want to meld and mold and build tomorrow's leaders, so you [have] to give them the opportunities to succeed and to become leaders themselves," said Freeman. "There is no telling how far we can go as a member of this TFI unit at the 4th Fighter Wing."
Gallegos concluded with some words of wisdom for the incoming commander.
"Find what you stand for, focus on it, then execute," he said. "Just remember; empowerment without accountability equals failure. I look forward to working with you."
Fesler is currently serving as the interim vice commander for the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson AFB.
The 414th FG is part of the 944th FW at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. and is assigned to Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. as part of the United States Air Force Total Force Integration Program. The 414th FG maintains the F-15E Strike Eagles of the 4th Fighter Wing.