31st FW changes command

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Gregory
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Aviano Air Base, Italy --  Aviano members welcomed Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin after he took command of the 31st Fighter Wing from Brig. Gen. Robert Yates during a change of command ceremony at Hangar One June 1. 

After assuming command of the wing, General Franklin praised General Yates and his wife Barbara for their efforts to improve Aviano. 

"Thank you for leaving the wing in such great order," he said. "Your accomplishments have been significant. Julie and I have big shoes to fill." 

Previous assignments for General Franklin include serving as the executive assistant to the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, an instructor pilot and even a stint as a pilot for the 31st Fighter Wing when it was located at Homestead Air Force Base, Fla. from 1986 through 1989. 

Now that he has returned to the wing, General Franklin said he's grateful for the opportunity to serve at Aviano. 

"I'm grateful that you put your trust and confidence in Julie and me," he said. "It's an opportunity that we very much look forward to."