New commander takes reigns of 31st Fighter Wing

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 31st Fighter Wing public affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Col. Charles Q. Brown Jr. took command of the 31st Fighter Wing from Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin during a change of command ceremony here June 9.

Maj. Gen. Mark Zamzow, 3rd Air Force vice commander, presided over the ceremony. 

"Your new wing commander already has what I would call a doctorate in leadership, people skills and common sense," said General Zamzow. "I am totally confident that (Col. Brown) and (his wife,) Sharene will lead Team Aviano to even greater heights in the days and months to come."

Before relinquishing command of the wing, General Franklin, echoed General Zamzow's positive comments about the 31st FW's new commander.

"CQ, you're an accomplished leader, aviator and friend and the best is yet to come for this wing under your leadership," he said. "Julie and I wish you, Sharene and your sons all the best in the next few years. It's an incredible place to be a commander and you will do an incredible job."

With the passing of the 31st FW guidon and receiving his first official salute from the Airmen within the wing, Colonel Brown, the 11th commander to lead the 31st FW since it was activated at Aviano AB on April 1, 1994, addressed the crowd.

"I am honored, blessed and proud to stand before you today as the commander of the 31st Fighter Wing," he said. "This is a tremendous milestone in my Air Force career.

"I've had so many great assignments and jobs up to this point and it is such an honor to have been selected for this prestigious command position. I am just really grateful to the Air Force leadership for giving me this opportunity." 

After thanking his mentors, family and friends for their love and support through the years, he turned his attention to those Airmen and civilians within the wing.

"To the men and women of the 31st Fighter Wing, I'm thrilled to be at Aviano and once again be associated with such an awesome wing," he said. "There is no place I'd rather be. We will no doubt have a lot on our plate as we move forward. Regardless of whatever challenges or opportunities the 31st Fighter Wing is presented, I believe in four tenants that have defined how I've operated throughout my career - execute at a higher standard, disciplined execution, pay attention to details, but still have fun. Regardless of our respective ranks and positions within the wing, we must execute to the best of our abilities, do it right the first time and be held accountable because in our business of combat operations, playing for second place is not an option."

Colonel Brown was recently selected for promotion to brigadier general.  Prior to his current assignment, Colonel Brown was the Director, Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff Executive Action Group, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.

General Franklin was recently selected for promotion to major general and reassignment as the commander of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Joint Base Balad, Iraq.