ABRAHAM LINCOLN CAPITAL AIRPORT, IL --
Col Nicolas Henschel accepts the guide-on from Col Robert Gellner, Commander, 183d Wing, as he accepts command of the 183d Air Operations Group.
Prior to accepting command of the 183 AOG, Colonel Henschel served as Director of Operations at Illinois Air National Guard Joint Force Headquarters at Camp Lincoln, and served for 18 years in the 126th Air Refueling Wing as Drill Status Guardsman, Evaluator Pilot, Squadron Commander, and Director of Operations.
A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another. The passing of colors, standards, or ensigns from an outgoing commander to an incoming commander ensures that a unit’s airmen are never without official leadership. It represents a continuation of trust, and also signifies an allegiance of airmen to their commander.
Henschel replaces Col Daniel McSeveney, who retired late last year.