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178th welcomes Col. Bryan Davis as new wing commander

  • Published
  • By Airman Rachel Simones
  • 178th Public Affairs
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio --  The 178th Wing hosted a change of command ceremony during a unit training assembly at Springfield Air National Guard Base, June 6.

The ceremony recognized outgoing 178th Wing Commander Col. Gregory Schnulo, as he moves on to become the assistant adjutant general for the Ohio Air National Guard.

The ceremony also welcomed incoming 178th Wing Commander Col. Bryan Davis, the former 178th Operations Group commander.

Commander of the Ohio Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Stephen Markovich, was a special guest at the ceremony who provided insight to the incoming and outgoing commanders.

"We need strong leaders to make sure Ohio is well represented," said Markovich. "The number one job of leaders is to make more leaders."

Schnulo took the stage after Markovich and reflected on his four years as the 178th Wing commander.

"This is a bittersweet time," said Schnulo.

Under Schnulo's leadership, the wing transitioned from flying F-16 fighter aircraft to conducting intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and support missions. Since 2011, he guided the base from transitioning to becoming fully trained.

"There was a concern if you took aircraft mechanics and sent them to intelligence school, they would have a problem transitioning from using their hands to using their brains," Schnulo said.

"But they have just done outstanding work. They did very well at the intelligence schools, they're leaders and they're seasoned people who came back here and did great work."

After thanking the wing, Schnulo switched places with Davis one final time. Davis took the stage to address the Airmen gathered in the hangar.

"The biggest honor I've ever had was to be given this wing," said Davis. "My plan is to continue what Col. Schnulo started."

Davis hopes to build on Schnulo's accomplishments and create strong leaders within the 178th.
"He's the perfect guy to be in charge of the wing right now," said Schnulo.

As a former F-16 fighter aircraft pilot who transitioned to becoming the 178th OG commander prior to his new leadership role, Davis is an expert in evolving missions.

"I'll be honest, I started this rodeo to fly airplanes," Davis said. "Leadership came much later in my career."

Although becoming base commander was not initially in Davis's career plan, he looks forward to leading the 178th to new heights.

"I felt that I owed it, and this wing in particular has been great for my family and myself professionally," said Davis.

Davis plans to lead the 178th Wing to success by building leaders and strengthening Airmen's expertise in their career fields.