Former 388th Fighter Wing pilot returns to take command

  • Published
  • By Maj. Bernadette Dozier
  • 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
A former 421st Fighter Squadron commander returned to take command of the 388th Fighter Wing in a ceremony Tuesday in Hangar 37.

Col. Scott Zobrist assumed command from Col. Scott Dennis, who served as the wing commander since July 2007.

Brig. Gen. Darryl W. Burke, vice commander of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) based at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., officiated the ceremony.

"It's a great day to be an Airman and a great day to be here with the 388th Fighter Wing and with all the warriors that are here today," the general said. "It's a honor to be here sharing the stage with two outstanding leaders as we get ready to transfer the mantle of leadership from Colonel Scott Dennis to Colonel Scott Zobrist."

General Burke acknowledged the wing's accomplishments during Colonel Dennis' tenure, including supporting the joint fight overseas for 22 out of 24 months, flying 5,00 combat missions and winning many 12th Air Force, Air Combat Command and Air Force-level awards.

"As I look out at the faces of the men and women of the 388th Fighter Wing I see in them the sense of purpose and motivation to duty that you've instilled in them, Zot," General Burke said.

He added that the team would be the foundation for Colonel Zobrist to build upon.

"The Air Force has sent us another great leader and great family," General Burke said of the Zobrist and his wife, Kay, and sons, Jake and Zachary.

"Those same leadership skills, vision and values will serve you well in the days ahead as you lead this great wing to the next level of excellence," the general added.

"You can rest assured with this wing's history -- complete with adversity and success -- that these Airmen are ready to serve with you and take on all the challenges that lie ahead."

During Colonel Dennis' remarks, his message to the wing's Airmen was that of pride.

"To the men and women of the 388th Fighter Wing -- I can't tell you how proud of you I am, and what a pleasure it's been to be your commander," Colonel Dennis said. "You have accomplished a lot, and quite honestly you've amazed me while I tried to hang on while you did the mission."

Colonel Dennis' new position is as the director of air operations for Headquarters Air Force in Washington, D.C.

Before being selected for this assignment, Colonel Zobrist served as the Director of Operations for the U.S. Forces Japan joint staff at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Colonel Zobrist was stationed at Hill AFB from September 2000 until July 2003 where he was the 421st FS assistant director of operations, director of operations and then the squadron commander.

"It's an amazing opportunity to be back at Hill and command a fighter wing," Colonel Zobrist said.

In his remarks, he recognized the team work between the host unit, tenants and Ogden Air Logistics Center.

"No one Airman can do it alone...we have to pull together as a team to put jets in the air and bombs on target," he said. "It's clear to me from what I've seen at Hill during my short time that the team here is very unique."

"The 388th Fighter Wing may have a new commander, but I know the results will be the same...we will fly, fight and win together as a team," he said.

"It's truly an honor and a privilege to command the 388th Fighter Wing."