Group commanders assume new roles in separate ceremonies

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Emily Beightol-Deyerle
  • 167th Airlift Wing

Two group commanders transitioned to their new roles within the 167th Airlift Wing during two separate ceremonies this weekend at Shepherd Airfield, West Virginia. 

Lt. Col. Charles Nasser assumed command of the 167th Mission Support Group Saturday and Col. Christopher Sigler assumed command of the 167 Operations Group Sunday.

Family, friends, and Airmen attended both assumption of command ceremonies to welcome the incoming commanders.

Col. Marty Timko, commander of the 167th Airlift wing, presided over both ceremonies.

“I probably couldn’t think of a finer officer, or colleague, or friend in which I’m going to lean on pretty heavily, that is going to be leading in my onion the most diverse group on base just for all of the things that mission support touches on the daily mission,” Timko said of Nasser.

Nasser said his vision is simple. “Fly, fight, and win.”

“Remember your oath and what it means, we are here to win the war and do our part to help the warfighter,” Nasser said.

Sigler, who previously served as the 167th Mission Support Group commander, is excited about his new opportunity as the the operations group commander and returning his focus to the flying mission. 

“I can’t think of someone who has more perspective, openness, and a kind heart to really see both sides of the coin when issues arise.” Timko said of Sigler.

Sigler commended the airlift squadron for the flying experience of its full-time staff and said he is looking to continue to foster and grow those skills, returning as a full-time commander in May himself. 

He added the group must consistently strive to maintain preparedness, training, and leadership to ensure mission accomplishment for both its members as well as its affiliated units. 

“You know there’s a lot going on in the world and the 167th is right there,” Sigler said. “What I’m looking for [in my Airmen] is to be thoroughly trained and prepared to fly safely around the world for our challenging missions.”