FOR RELEASE: Thursday, May 4, 2023
CONTACT: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chance Johnson, 720-847-9072, 140wg.pa.org@us.af.mil
BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – The 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard will conduct change of command and change of responsibility ceremonies for the current command team beginning at 10:30 a.m., May 6, 2023, Hangar 801, Buckley Space Force Base, Aurora, Colorado.
Incoming Commander U.S. Air Force Col. Jeremiah (Weed) Tucker will succeed U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher (Wedge) Southard while Command Chief Master Sgt. Edward Hauschild will relinquish responsibility to Chief Master Sgt. Byron Phillips.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. D. Micah Fesler, assistant adjutant general, Air and commander of the Colorado Air National Guard, will serve as the presiding officer for the ceremony.
“Col. Tucker and Chief Master Sgt. Phillips will bring a wealth of knowledge and years of experience to help lead the 140th Wing into continued success as we remain one step ahead in the realms of air, space, and cyber superiority." Fesler said. “I am looking forward to seeing the incredible work they will do.”
Southard assumed command of the 140th Wing in August 2021. During his tenure, he led over 1,700 personnel supporting an F-16C+ fighter mission (Air Combat Command), a unique mobile ground system missile warning mission (Air Force Space Command), and a civil engineering mission (Pacific Air Forces). He assured adequate training of assigned military personnel and high-quality aircraft maintenance through timely phased assessments. In addition, Southard was responsible for the successful completion of all wing inspections. He established base policies to assure effective personnel, equipment, funding, supply, procurement and facility management.
Tucker was appointed senior executive officer to the Director, ANG U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, also a Colorado Guardsman, in November 2021. Tucker advised the DANG and the commander of Air Force Reserve Command on opportunities to increase the combat capability across the breadth of their operational systems. Prior to this role, Tucker served as commander, ANG AFRC Command Test Center in Arizona. He was responsible for planning, coordinating, and conducting operational test and evaluation and tactics development and evaluation for mature weapons systems as directed by Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, and Air Force Special Operations Command.
Chief Master Sgt. Edward Hauschild assumed responsibility as command chief of the 140th Wing in June 2021. He advised the wing commander on matters impacting the enlisted force such as proper utilization of personnel, quality of enlisted leadership, management/supervisor training, operations tempo, and quality of life. Further, Hauschild was responsible for monitoring compliance with ANG and USAF standards including those standards governing conduct, performance, appearance, and professional military education. He served on advisory councils and worked to ensure a close relationship with the local community. Hauschild maintained liaison between the wing commander and enlisted force and staff members, and communicated with the wing commander on issues, concerns, and morale of the enlisted force. Also, Hauschild served as the functional manager for assigned 140th Wing First Sergeants and performed other duties as outlined and directed by the 140th Wing commander.
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Byron D. Phillips was appointed as group superintendent for the 140th Mission Support Group, COANG in April 2022. As the group’s senior enlisted leader, Phillips served as the principal advisor to the commander on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, and proper utilization and progress of 338 assigned members. The group provides communications, civil engineering, logistics, contracting, and flight line security operations in support of the 140th Wing’s mission and over 1,500 members.
Fesler congratulated Southard and Hauschild on their exemplary service to the state of Colorado and the nation.
“As a command team, they have made an immeasurable impact on the modernization, readiness, and people of the 140th Wing,” Fesler said. “Your ambition and tremendous team charisma will be missed here at the 140th Wing. I wish all the best to Col. Southard and his family in their next ventures and look forward to Chief Hauschild joining the Air Staff team. Thank you, again, for all that you have done!"
The 140th Wing is comprised of five groups, 12 squadrons, and two geographically separated units. The 1,700 personnel that fall under three USAF major commands provide our nation with fighter, space-based early missile warning, and support forces capable of global employment.