Aviano welcomes new operations group commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 31st Fighter Wing public affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Aviano members welcomed Col. Patrick Miller after he assumed command of the 31st Operations Group from Col. Thomas Gould during a change of command ceremony here May 19. 

Colonel Miller comes in from Camp Smith, Hawaii, where he served as the Chief of the Southeast Asia Policy Division for United States Pacific Command. 

"Colonel Miller is the perfect choice to lead the 31st Operations Group with his vast experience in the F-16, and most importantly, his previous experience here at the 31st Fighter Wing as the Chief of Safety from 2002 to 2004," said Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin, 31st FW commander, during his speech as presiding officer of the ceremony. 

General Franklin praised Colonel Gould for his many accomplishments in taking care of people, both under his command and unilaterally, as well as improving the wing's mission capability and resources. 

"Today is not an easy day for me," said General Franklin. "It's really very hard for me to say goodbye to such a great operations group commander and his family. The [entire Gould Family] has been the fabric of this base for the [past] two years ... and we thank you for everything you've done for this base." 

Colonel Gould's next assignment is Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where he will take command of the 435th Air Base Wing. Thomas Gould Jr., son of Colonel Gould, was a part of the honor guard detail that presented the U.S. and Italian colors for the ceremony.