Col. Carl Magnusson serves as Niagara's newest commander

The 914th Air Refueling Wing welcomed the new wing and installation commander Col. Carl J. Magnusson during an assumption of command ceremony on July 12.

Magnusson assumes command just following the wing declaring fully operational capable in aerial refueling, global mobility and aeromedical evacuation missions with the wing's new inventory of eight KC-135 Stratotankers.

During his speech, Magnusson said he's reminded of his years of service leading up to him taking command of a wing.

“On the way to this podium, I've served as a KC-135 aircrew member in a number of roles: I've served as a planner; I've served as a thinker,” he said. “All through those years, I've served with two very distinct types of people: the young soldier with a rifle in his hand about to go into an uncertain environment supporting combat operations, and I've served a 4-year-old child who's about to starve to death without humanitarian assistance and disaster relief aid.”

After a brief pause, Magnusson said, "And today, I serve you."

Fourth Air Force Cmdr. Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Pennington presided over the ceremony. Pennington is responsible for providing oversight to 18 flying wings across the country, including the 914th Air Refueling Wing. He said this wing is gaining an incredible leader.

"Just an amazing, dynamic, broadly experienced, visionary leader that will challenge you during his time here,” Pennington said. "I'm honored to be here with you today. And brother, I'll do everything I can to support you and the (command) chief during your time here."

The ceremony concluded with the wing commander's first salute.