KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Col. Michael Power assumed command of the 377th Air Base Wing from Col. Jason Vattioni during a change of command ceremony June 20, 2023, at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.
Power, who previously served as the commander of the 90th Maintenance Group at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, will now command the 377th Air Base Wing personnel as well as duties of installation commander.
“Major General Lutton, thank you for your trust and confidence in selecting me for this position,” said Power. “To lead the Airmen of the 377th Air Base wing is an amazing honor. We promise we will do our best to take care of Kirtland Air Force Base, the fighting tigers here, and the fighting tigers at Vandenberg Space Force Base.”
With the ceremonial tradition of the passing of the guidon, outgoing commander Vattioni relinquished command to Power.
Vattioni welcomed Power and said farewell to Team Kirtland.
“I challenge you to continue to move at the speed of nuclear surety, to continue to go slow to go fast,” said Vattioni. “Our loved ones, our nation, our allies, and our partners are counting on you to get it right every time. And I want you to know that I am a better person and a better Airmen because of you. Your willingness to share your personal and professional stories with me to help me through my mistakes, to forgive me for those mistakes, and your caring guidance throughout this journey will stay with me forever. I will remain your biggest cheerleader. I will let everyone know the fighting tigers are the best across all our professions and our activities. And I will think about you and I will look forward to hearing from you. For better or worse, I will always be there.”
Vattioni will continue his career in Washington D.C at the Pentagon.