CHICOPEE, Mass. — In a time-honored tradition, the 439th Airlift Wing rang in the beginning of a new era with an Assumption of Command ceremony for Colonel Gregory Buchanan at Westover Air Reserve Base.

More than 1,000 service members packed the base hangar for the passing of the torch, and Buchanan wasted no time in motivating his new personnel.

“To the men and women of the 439th Airlift Wing, I am proud to serve alongside you," Buchanan said. "This base is steeped in history... It is on the backs of these great veterans that our current Wing rests, and we will not let them down.”

Buchanan began his military service in the Navy back in 1995, and prior to his new assignment, he was Commander of the 459th Air Refueling Wing at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

He brings a wealth of leadership and experience to Westover, having logged more than 4,500 flying hours in his 23 years with the Air Force.

He said he's eager to dive right in, and already has plans for some hands-on work over the coming days.

“About 500 members of the Wing are getting ready to go out the door tomorrow, going up to Michigan to simulate the Pacific fight against the Chinese Communist Party," Buchanan said. "I’ll be traveling up on Tuesday to observe the exercise, and look forward to donning chem-warfare gear right alongside you.”

Brigadier General Scott Durham was on hand for the official transfer of command, and spoke highly of Buchanan’s work ethic, which apparently started at a young age as he watched his father serve in the Air National Guard.

“He used to fly Greg’s siblings around, but he never flew Greg around," Durham said. "I’ve got to believe, you know we all want the things that we can’t have, and Greg as a toddler was probably looking up there going, ‘What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I fly? I’ll show that guy.' And so, he joined the Navy.”

While Saturday’s gathering had a celebratory tone, Buchanan did reference the challenges ahead for the Air National Guard and the U.S. Military in general as they face a changing world with danger always looming.

“These threats are real and significant. They will test our armed services in ways we’ve never imagined," Buchanan said. "It will take an incredible level of resilience and grit, and I know you will rise to the occasion and prevail.”