178 CE welcomes new commander Published Jan. 21, 2010 By Senior Airman Anthony Graham 178th Fighter Wing SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- Maj. Matthew Craig, former active-duty command military construction programmer of the Air Combat Command, took command of the 178th Civil Engineering Squadron in a formal ceremony presided by Col. William Wolfarth, 178th Mission Support Group Commander Jan. 9 at the 178th Fighter Wing, Springfield, Ohio. Lt. Col. Mark Gebhard relinquished command and will retire from the Air National Guard after 29 years of service. He plans to move to Virginia and spend time with his wife and family He is confident that Major Craig will achieve great things for the base, said Colonel Gebhard. There were many in attendance for the ceremony. Assistant adjutant general for Air, Maj. Gen. Harry "A.J." W. Feucht Jr. and State Command Chief Master Sgt. Tamara Phillips attended. Both Colonel Gebhard and Major Craig's families were also in attendance along with 178 FW Commander Colonel Mike Roberts and Guardsmen from the base. "Together I promise we will continue to make the 178th CES the home of a premier organization on a world-class installation," said Major Craig in regards to becoming the new commander of the 178 CES. The Change of Command is a military formation deeply rooted in history and tradition dating back to the time of Frederick the Great of Prussia. In that period, military organizations developed flags with unique and specialized colors and designs. When the soldiers followed their leaders into battle, they kept sight of their flag. If the banner still waived after the conflict, it was a sign that their side had not tasted defeat on the field of battle. Although the banner used at the 178th Civil Engineering Squadron change of command ceremony was at its home station instead of on the battle field, the banner's significance remains the same, and symbolized the transfer of command. So like the flag seen on the battle field that showed no taste of defeat, the flag that waived for the 178th CES also showed no defeat and represented tradition.