911th holds change of command ceremony
By Ethan Smith
Published in News on January 10, 2016 1:45 AM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Col. William Stowe III, left, passes the flag to Lt. Col. Philip G. Morrison during the 911th Air Refueling Squadron change of command ceremony Friday at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
The 911th Air Refueling Squadron on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base held its change of command ceremony Friday afternoon, drawing a crowd of more than 150 people.
Lt. Col. Christopher Daniels relinquished his command of the squadron, passing the torch to Lt. Col. Philip Morrison.
Morrison earned his commission in 1998 from the United States Air Force Academy, and has held a variety of positions throughout his 17 years of service.
Prior to Friday's ceremony he was assigned as the general inspector of the 47 Flying Training Wing at Laughlin Air Force Base.
"I know Col. Daniels has made the comment that the folks at the 911th Air Refueling Squadron are so good, any idiot could lead them," Morrison said. "While it's my deep-seated desire not to test that theory, having seen the incredible talent and hard work the maintainers, operators and supporter personnel put forth every day, I am inclined to agree with him."
Col. William Stowe III, commander of the USAF sixth operations group, said Friday afternoon's ceremony marked the reflection upon a legacy of great memories left by Daniels during his time as the squadron commander.
"When our nation called, the 911th answered," Stowe said. "The 911th supported thousands of combat support sorties throughout multiple locations under the leadership and guidance of Col. Daniels."
Under Daniels' command, the 911th delivered humanitarian aid to Iraq, received numerous awards while at home at SJAFB and while deployed at the wing and Air Force level, produced professional education to distinguished graduates and enabled the squadron to succeed on a daily basis.
"In short, the Red Eagles show their expertise in mobility and mission support literally around the world," Stowe said.
To mark the official change of command, a flag representing the squadron was officially passed from Daniels to Stowe, and then from Stowe to Morrison.
As Daniels relinquished the flag, he stated "I relinquish my command." As Morrison accepted the flag, he said, "I assume command."
And with that, the 911th found themselves with a new man at the helm of their squadron.
The change of command ceremony is one that is deeply rooted in history that dates back to the era of Roman Legions.
Different military organizations, throughout history, have developed flags that are unique to their sect. Soldiers would follow their leaders into battle and if the flag still stood at the end of the battle, it was a sign that their side had won.
Therefore, the flag became an integral part of marking when the command of different military organizations changed hands.
And as Morrison accepted his command of the 911th squadron on Friday, he reassured his father, who attended the ceremony, that he would be doing what he had always done -- pumping gas.
"When I finished high school I got a job pumping gas while I was trying to get into the (Air Force) academy," Morrison said. "Then when I was finished with the academy I went to flight school, and I started flying the tanker. So when my dad's friends used to ask him about his children, he used to love to tell everyone that his oldest (child) has been pumping gas since he graduated high school. Well Dad, I'm sticking with my skill set. And by the way, I still have a job that requires that I have my name on my shirt."