Welch receives command of 19th Operations Group

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Hannah Bean
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Col. Christopher Welch assumed command of the 19th Operations Group from Col. Marty Smith, during a change of command ceremony at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, June 26, 2024.

Col. Denny Davies, 19th Airlift Wing commander, presided over the ceremony that was attended by family, friends, members of the 19th OG, and representatives from across Herk Nation.

“Today, we say farewell, but not goodbye to the Smith family and eagerly welcome Col. Christopher Welch and his family back to Team Little Rock,” Davies said. “This ceremony is not only a procedural formality. It is a heartfelt salute to the past and a blazing beacon for the future that lies ahead. As we witness this hallowed transition, let us recommit ourselves as Airmen to the ideals for which we each took an oath.”

As he relinquished command, Smith took a moment to reminisce on the history of Little Rock, including the 80th Anniversary of D-day, where he spoke about a moment when he stood in Normandy thinking of those who created the 19th Bombardment Group and the legacy they left behind.

“As past met present, I thought about the 19th OG,” Smith said. “I love this group. I love the mission and the Airmen, and our world-wide impact. I love the comradery, the focus, talent, motivation, and adaptability. You are worthy. You carry the spirit and legacy of the giant shoulders who came before you. To Col. Welch, know that I hand you a worth organization. I know you will lead them well.”

Welch took a moment to speak to the men and women of the 19th OG as he assumed the mantle of commander.

The wing commander speaks at a lecturn

Welch receives command of 19th Operations Group

Col. Denny Davies, 19th Airlift Wing commander, speaks to Team Little rock Members during the 19th Operations Group Change of Command ceremony, June 26, 2024, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The change of command is a traditional military ceremony in which the departing commander assembles their troops to present to the incoming commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

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The wing commander speaks at a lecturn

Welch receives command of 19th Operations Group

Col. Denny Davies, 19th Airlift Wing commander, speaks to Team Little Rock members during the 19th Operations Group Change of Command ceremony, June 26, 2024, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

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A wing and group commander stand at attention

Welch receives command of 19th Operations Group

Col. Denny Davies, 19th Airlift Wing commander, and Col. Marty Smith, outgoing 19th Operations Group commander, stand at attention during the 19th OG Change of Command Ceremony, June 26, 2024, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The change of command is a traditional military ceremony in which the departing commander assembles their troops to present to the incoming commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

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The wing commander shakes hands while presenting an award to a group commander

Welch receives command of 19th Operations Group

Col. Denny Davies, 19th Airlift Wing commander, presents an award to Col. Marty Smith, outgoing 19th Operations Group commander, during the 19th OG Change of Command Ceremony, June 26, 2024, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

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A group commander speaks at a lecturn

Welch receives command of 19th Operations Group

Col. Marty Smith, outgoing 19th Operations Group commander, speaks to Team Little Rock members during the 19th OG Change of Command Ceremony, June 26, 2024, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

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A group commander speaks at a lecturn

Welch receives command of 19th Operations Group

Col. Marty Smith, outgoing 19th Operations Group commander, speaks to Team Little Rock members during the 19th OG Change of Command Ceremony, June 26, 2024, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The change of command is a traditional military ceremony in which the departing commander assembles their troops to present to the incoming commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

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Family, friends, and community members listen to a speech

Welch receives command of 19th Operations Group

Family, friends, and Team Little Rock members listen to a speech during the 19th Operations Group Change of Command Ceremony, June 26, 2024, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

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A group commander passes a guidon to the wing commander

Welch receives command of 19th Operations Group

Col. Marty Smith, outgoing 19th Operations Group commander, passes the guidon to Col. Denny Davies (right), 19th Airlift Wing commander, during the 19th OG Change of Command ceremony, June 26, 2024, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The passing of the guidon is a time-honored military tradition that ensures the unit and its Airmen are never without official leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

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A group commander salutes the wing commander

Welch receives command of 19th Operations Group

Col. Marty Smith, outgoing 19th Operations Group commander, salutes Col. Denny Davies, 19th Airlift Wing commander, during the 19th OG Change of Command Ceremony, June 26, 2024, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

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The wing commander passes a guidon to a group commander

Welch receives command of 19th Operations Group

Col. Denny Davies (right), 19th Airlift Wing commander, passes the guidon to Col. Christopher Welch, incoming 19th Operations Group commander, during the 19th OG Change of Command Ceremony, June 26, 2024, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The passing of the guidon is a time-honored military tradition that ensures the unit and its Airmen are never without official leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

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A group commander salutes the wing commander

Welch receives command of 19th Operations Group

Col. Christopher Welch (right), incoming 19th Operations Group commander, salutes Col. Denny Davies (left), 19th Airlift Wing commander, during the 19th OG Change of Command Ceremony, June 26, 2024, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

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A commander smiles while giving a speech

Welch receives command of 19th Operations Group

Col. Christopher Welch, incoming 19th Operations Group commander, speaks to attendees during the 19th OG Change of Command Ceremony, June 26, 2024, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The change of command is a traditional military ceremony in which the departing commander assembles their troops to present to the incoming commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

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Airmen hug each other

Welch receives command of 19th Operations Group

Col. Christopher Welch, incoming 19th Operations Group commander, hugs a Team Little Rock member during the 19th OG Change of Command Ceremony, June 26, 2024, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The change of command is a traditional military ceremony in which the departing commander assembles their troops to present to the incoming commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

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“I’m honored to stand in your presence,” Welch said. “There is no greater group of hard-charging, mission-hacking, motivated herk warriors in the world. You are unmatched in providing TacAir Anywhere. Anytime the call goes out, you jump all in and you deliver on time, on target.”

Prior to this assignment, Welch was the Executive Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander United States European Command at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Mons, Belgium. In this role, he led the Commander’s personal staff of 112 personnel responsible for security, communications, travel, and all executive actions.

Welch graduated in 2002 from Washington State University and is a senior pilot with more than 3,300 flight hours in the KC-10A and C-130J.  His previous experiences include operational tours with operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and NEW DAWN across squadron, wing and headquarters levels.

“It’s a special feeling to be a part of this group again; one I can’t fully explain,” Welch said. “Being back in the 19th OG is a homecoming for me and my family in so many ways. It’s in our Air Force DNA, it’s a part of who we are, and it always will be. I promise I will give you the very best of me and I know you will give the very best of yourselves to each other because it’s who you all are.”