New wing commander meets Airmen Published July 13, 2010 By Staff Reports 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Col. Christopher Weggeman, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, assumed command from Col. Tip Wight during a change of command ceremony that began at 9:52 a.m. in Hangar 1. The 52nd FW Public Affairs office spent a few minutes with the new commander to learn more about him. 1. When were you notified of your assignment to Spangdahlem? What was your initial reaction or impression? General Brady told me personally in our NATO headquarters. I was first extremely excited and honored. I also felt both anxious and humbled. Those were the strongest emotions. Then over time, the excitement completely took over. I'm just excited to come out here and have the opportunity and the honor to lead our great Airmen. 2. What are some of your previous experiences that prepared you for the mission here? I was born and raised in the F-16 community, and I know that's only one of the major weapons systems we have here at Spangdahlem. My squadron command tour was at Hill Air Force Base, and I was able to twice take my squadron to combat - once as the first operational active duty squadron based at Balad Air Base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Then I was able to take my squadron back. I think the experience I gained in that combat Area of Responsibility prepared me for a command. For me it painted a picture of what we're doing today in Iraq and Afghanistan. I think it further prepares me to advocate for the resources and the skill sets that our Airmen need. 3. As commander, what items of interest do you plan to focus on? Very simply it's mission, Airmen and family. Those are my three main emphases. But, I also intend to forge future leaders, so I will place an emphasis on leadership as part of the command climate. As commanders, we're developing the next generation of leaders - that means taking the young Airmen, NCOs and officers and making sure we're developing them to be leaders. We also need our senior NCOs, chiefs and commanders to sharpen their leadership skills, given the operation tempo we have, when urgency can overcome importance. It's important is to make sure that we forge these new leaders across the spectrum. 4. What is your most vivid or memorable AF moment - either as a pilot or commander? One of my most vivid memories is when I had the honor as the 12th Operations Group commander to host the POW/MIA reunion Dining-In at Randolph AFB. I just loved the overall experience and meeting all the POWs, or freedom flyers as we call them at Randolph. For a fighter pilot that was chicken soup for my soul. 5. What are some ways you plan to support the efforts and mission of NATO and USAFE? The first thing is to ensure our Airmen and our civilians have the resources they need to do the job, and that we build an environment that's conducive to our well-being both in executing the mission and during off-duty time, like when we take care of our families. As far as NATO and our host nation, I want to continue to leverage the great relationships that Colonel Wight has made with the local communities and their leadership. We need to continue and exist in a relationship of harmony. I want to make sure we strive to do that. 6. Can you tell us about your family? My wife and I met at Purdue University - she was an ROTC cadet in my flight, and we've been together since. We have two kids - a son Sam who's going to be 14 on the 14th, and my daughter Olivia who is 11. We also have two Great Dane dogs - Gemini and Jules . We love our house, and we're happy to be here. 7. What are some of your hobbies? I'm into physical conditioning, so I go to the gym to work out and lift weights. Skiing is probably my biggest sport. I've been skiing since I was four. I was actually on our high school ski team, and I raced competitively throughout high school. We love Bavaria, and it's one of our favorite places to go including Garmisch. I occasionally play golf, but I'm not like Colonel Wight - I'm not a scratch golfer by any means. 8. What cemented your decision to join the AF? I'm the first military member in my family, and I just wanted to serve my country. I'm a patriot. I get choked up when I hear the national anthem, and if you cut me I bleed red, white and blue. I don't know where it came from, but I felt a calling and wanted to serve. Initially I joined to be a flight surgeon--but then when I had my first ROTC physical, they said I was medically cleared to fly, and the rest as you say is history.