AMC welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • Headquarters Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) --  Air Mobility Command welcomed its 12th commander at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 11.

Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II took command of AMC from Gen. Darren W. McDew during a ceremony officiated by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III.

Welsh opened the ceremony by speaking about AMC's accomplishments since they inherited the missions of Military Airlift Command and Strategic Air Command.

"Over two remarkable decades you [Air Mobility Command] have answered the call of others so that they may prevail," said Welsh. "There is no place on earth beyond your reach. Whether it's the homeland or the beyond the horizon, you bring America's warriors to where the nations needs them and sustain them while they're there. And they know no matter the conditions, you will bring them home."

Addressing the men and women of AMC for the first time, Everhart expressed his enthusiasm to continue to lead AMC Airmen and why they are the best at what they do.

"I am proud to be a part of this team and grateful for this opportunity to lead this world-class organization," he said. "When I think back on the events of the past decade, I have to thank our mobility airmen for their courage, determination and professionalism."

Formerly as the 618th Air Operations Center and 18th Air Force commander, Everhart has played a direct role in the operational side of mission execution and was responsible for providing mobility and sustainment for America's armed forces worldwide.

"Our nation's adversaries are determined and are as dedicated in their cause more than they have ever been," said Everhart.

"That is why we must remain operationally focused and manage a fiscally constrained budget while providing our Airmen with the best training and equipment they need to accomplish the missions. While bringing new platforms such as KC-46 and putting them into the hand of the Airmen who need them the most. We must do this all as a total force."

During the ceremony, McDew expressed his confidence in Everhart's ability to continue to lead AMC's rapid global mobility mission.

McDew said, "It's been a privilege to serve as your commander. From the mundane to the monumental, you make it look easy. Every single one of you is vital to the AMC mission and to the defense of the nation. I thank each and every one of you for your contribution to the mission and for making Air Mobility Command great.

I can think of no finer officer to take the reins of Air Mobility Command then Gen. Carlton "Dewey" Everhart and his bride Michelle. He is a proven leader who knows our command and cares about Airmen."

As AMC commander, Everhart will lead all Mobility Air Forces comprised of nearly 132,000 civilian, active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve personnel. AMC sustains America's military operations worldwide through its airlift, aerial refueling and aeromedical evacuation capabilities. The command also responds to humanitarian crises at home and around the globe.

Everhart concluded, "The world and the warfighter need Air Mobility Command. You work quietly behind the scenes getting the mission done and answering our nations call. There is no doubt you are the best at what you do. I know the challenges we face are daunting but here is my pledge to you: Michelle and I will be right there with you, supporting you and your families every step of the way. Together we will continue to provide unparalleled rapid global mobility.