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AFRCC changes command, ceremony reflects on legacy of outgoing commander

  • Published
  • By Maj. Kat Andrews
  • AFNORTH Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center received a new commander during a change of command ceremony at the Heritage Club July 29, 2015.

After two years as the AFRCC commander, Lt. Col. Ian Kemp passed the reins to Lt. Col. James Woosley, who had been serving as the AFRCC director of operations.

"AFRCC may not be the most understood organization but they are the most life-saving," said Lt. Gen. William Etter, U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region - 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern), commander. "They uphold their motto, 'so others may live.'"

Throughout his time as the director of operations with AFRCC, the colonel oversaw the execution of missions ranging from lost hikers to stranded motorists to defense support of civil authorities during national disasters.

Woosley is a 1998 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy.  He is a senior pilot with more than 2,700 flying hours, including 390 combat hours during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, resulting in 59 lives saved.  Woosely, spearheaded the efforts for the future of the HC-130 and search and rescue (SAR) missions by sending his recommendations directly to the Secretary of Defense.

Woosley said he was ready to take command. "I am excited for the next two years.  I have large goals that I hope to meet."