Scott Air Force Base, Ill. -- The 932nd Airlift Wing held a Change of Responsibility ceremony to mark the transfer of senior enlisted leadership responsibilities from Chief Master Sgt. Christian Biancur, 932nd Airlift Wing outgoing command chief, to Chief Master Sgt. Andrea Young, incoming command chief. The chiefs had many guests in attendance including two notable enlisted leaders, 22nd Air Force Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Brian Jensenius, and retired Chief Master Sgt. Bill Moyer, the first senior enlisted advisor of the 932nd Aeromedical Airlift Group (Associate).
Biancur was awarded the Legion of Merit medal by Col. Jeffrey Smith, 932nd AW commander, for his exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as the 932nd AW command chief.
Smith spoke about the critical role a command chief plays at the wing level.
“The mantle of leadership is a heavy one, but it rests comfortably on your shoulders, so thank you for being giants, continuing to lead with courage, compassion, and unwavering integrity,” said Smith.
Biancur delivered his remarks, reflecting on his service as the 932nd AW command chief.
“What it's like to be a part of a command team that I've been with, Col. Chadwick, Col Smith....they truly value the team concept. They truly value what it's like to have three members of a team lead a wing," said Biancur. "They gave me room to maneuver, gave me thought space, and let me execute as a command chief and I don't know if many people get that kind of luxury. I appreciate the mentorship and discussion. You both taught me how to lead and communicate and how to execute better.”
Chief Biancur served three years as the command chief and five years as 932nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron superintendent, with a total of 28 years of service at the 932nd AW.
“To the wing, this is the hard part, taking off this patch is rough, for sure. You guys know I love you and this wing, it's been a part of my life for a long time. Having to say goodbye is difficult, you all are excellent. I say this all the time, it has been an honor standing next to you,” added Biancur.
The Change of Responsibility ceremony is a traditional event rich in symbolism and heritage within the military. The core of the ceremony is the passing of the command’s colors, which symbolize the soul of a military unit. This represents not only the lineage and honors of the organization, but also the loyalty and unity of its personnel.
Col. Jeffrey Smith, 932nd AW commander, presided over the ceremony, receiving Chief Young’s first salute as the new command chief.
Chief Young’s first remarks as command chief highlighted the contributions Citizen Airmen of the 932nd bring to the global stage.
“Most importantly to the heart and soul of the Gateway Wing, our incredible Airmen, this day is truly about you. I am standing here with a ton of gratitude, grateful for the opportunity to be your command chief, thankful for the trust that has been given to me and grateful for each and every one of you,” said Young. “The 932nd has a proud history and I am proud to be part of it, I am proud to wear the patch and serve with you”.
Chief Young comes to the 932nd AW from 624th Regional Support Group, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. She entered the Air Force in 2002, where she served as a health services manager. Throughout her career, she served in various career field capacities to include expeditionary medical support, aeromedical evacuation, en route patient staging and aerospace medicine.