Laughlin undergoes change of command

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Blake Mize
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  At approximately 9:47 a.m. May 18, Col. Michael Frankel took over command of the 47th Flying Training Wing at Laughlin Air Force Base.

Col. Jeffrey McDaniels, former 47th FTW commander, looked on as Colonel Frankel told Maj. Gen. Gregory Feest, "Sir, I assume command."

"This moment reminds me somewhat of my wedding day," said Colonel McDaniels. "I'm standing up front. There's a big crowd gathered. There's lots of excitement, but all anyone really wants to do is see the bride."

In a centuries-old tradition that dates back to ancient Prussia, Chief Master Sgt. Mike Hanning, 47th FTW command chief, carried the 47th FTW's guidon onto the stage at Laughlin's Anderson Hall and handed it to Colonel McDaniels. Laughlin's former leader, whose next career stop will be in Washington, D.C. at Air Force headquarters, then handed the guidon to General Feest who finally handed it to Colonel Frankel, officially transferring command of the wing to him.

Colonel Frankel, who is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, comes to Laughlin after serving as the vice commander for the 12th FTW at Randolph Air Force Base. He is a command pilot with more than 2,400 flight hours in the F-15C aircraft, including more than 250 hours of combat time.

"My hope is that in the very near future, I will have personally earned your trust and respect by setting a good example for you to follow," Colonel Frankel said to the crowd at Anderson Hall after assuming command. "I will strive to maintain and uphold the high standards that are expected in the Air Force."

Colonel Frankel said that as commander, he will have three main priorities.

First, he plans to ensure that Laughlin members put service before self by being fully prepared to deploy when needed and are committed to serve when tasked. Next, Colonel Frankel said Laughlin will continue to execute its mission to train the world's finest aviators with the highest possible standards. His other main goal will be to develop and nurture Laughlin's Airmen and their families.

"Everyone that works or lives on Laughlin has an important role in achieving a small part of the Air Force vision," he said. "To achieve mission success, we must all remain committed to working together as a team."

Laughlin's new leader said he plans to lead by example.

"I will try to walk the walk, not just talk about important issues such as physical fitness, quality family time and self study," said Colonel Frankel. "I will always try to provide honest and constructive feedback when it is appropriate and necessary."

Colonel Frankel also said because the profession that he and the rest of the 47th FTW are in calls for uncompromising trust and commitment, the Air Force value of 'integrity first' is especially important to him.

"I believe integrity is the foundation for the trust that is required in any unit such as ours," he said. "I will not tolerate any breach of integrity at any level for any reason."

Optimism was apparent when the commander spoke about Laughlin's members and
its future.

"I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for this great team," he said.