WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Two years ago, Colonel Curtis Bass took the helm of the 461st Air Control Wing as commander. Tuesday, as Bass moves on to a new position, Colonel Edward Goebel stepped up to take Bass’ place. The change of command ceremony took place at the Museum of Aviation, where friends and family came to honor both Bass and Goebel.
“Today is an exciting day. It's incredibly exciting. We are very humbled," says Goebel. "We've had the privilege of being here for two years and to be a part of the middle Georgia community, to be a part of Robins Air Force Base.”
Goebel has worked with Bass as vice commander of the Air Control Wing since June 2017. Together, they managed the worldwide employment of the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft and Deployable Air Traffic Control and Landing System.
“I'm grateful for Colonel Bass' mentorship and his leadership while he's been here,” says Goebel. "He was a major part of helping me prepare for today."
Goebel says that he will keep the team running smoothly and doesn’t plan on making many changes to how the wing operates. Bass and his family plan to move to New York City, where he will work as a military fellow at the Council of Foreign Operations.
The 461st Air Control Wing maintains JSTARS planes, trains airmen and supports combat-ready forces worldwide.