First OG commander ‘takes the reins’

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The 931st Operations Group was established as part of the 931 ARW’s designation last March. Evernham is one of the 400 personnel being added to the 931 ARW to meet the needs of the newly designated wing.

“When I look ahead, I see some opportunity for us to do something that might make a lasting difference.” said Col Mark S. Larson, 931 ARW commander. “By 2019, there will be 24 new airplanes sitting on the flight line, two flying squadrons full of pilots, and who knows how many more maintainers. We have the opportunity to be a part of this exciting time.”

The Chief of Air Force Reserve, Lt. Gen. James "JJ" Jackson, recently approved Evernham, who extended her time in the Air Force to assume this command, as the first commander of the 931 OG.

Evernham will oversee of more than 270 Citizen Airmen and assist the 931 ARW commander in recruiting, organizing, training and equipping the more than 1000 members that will eventually make up the 931 ARW.

“Standing up a new wing and groups is daunting enough,” Evernham said. “But taking on a new airframe, squadrons, mission sets — not to mention mobilization and deployments — can only be done well by the best in the business, and it’s clear to me that you are.”

A command pilot with more than 2,000 hours in both the KC-135 Stratotanker and C-17 Globemaster, Evernham came to the unit from Joint Base Charleston, S.C., where she served as the 315th OG commander.

“I’m so honored and humbled to be your first [931] OG commander. I’m looking forward to working with all of you and learning how I can shift the big rocks out of your way,” Evernham said. “You’re truly an amazing group of talented people who has a great handle on the challenges that lay before us.”

This ceremony marks the first time since the 931 ARW’s transition from a group to a wing has had a designated operations group.

Historical roots for ceremonies such as activations, re-designations, assumptions of command, and changes of command date back to Frederick the Great of Prussia to provide armies the opportunity to see their commander and witness changes to their unit. The United States first used these ceremonies in the Continental Army.