HIANG says aloha to incoming and outgoing 154th wing commanders
By Airman 1st Class Stan Pak, 154th Wing Public Affairs
/ Published July 19, 2016
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- Brig. Gen. Gregory S. Woodrow assumed command of the 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard during a Change of Command Ceremony held here July 10.
Woodrow previously served as 154th WG vice commander before taking command from Brig. Gen. Braden K. Sakai.
"It is very humbling to me, very challenging," Woodrow said. "I am incredibly excited to be the 154th Wing commander."
Woodrow graduated from West Virginia University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He earned his commission in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps as a distinguished graduate in May 1986.
In addressing the audience gathered for the ceremony held on JBPHH, Woodrow talked about some of his top priorities--the things he'll focus on during his time as wing commander.
"I would like to challenge you and push you to cut down the noise and the distraction," Woodrow said. "Those things that somehow get pushed into our daily lives and make it difficult to concentrate on combat mission readiness and taking care of our airmen."
For Sakai the Change of Command Ceremony officially marks the end of his five year tenure as wing commander.
"I can say that I am extremely proud of him [Woodrow], and he is going to be a great commander," Sakai said. "I am really honored to be part of this ceremony to symbolize the passing of the lead to Woody."
The relationship and friendship between the two general officers has bloomed throughout the years; a connection that has spanned more than a decade.
"I've known him for 15 years and was lucky enough to have worked with him for the past 10 years," said Sakai. "He's definitely one of the best officers I've ever had the honor to work with. He truly embodies service before self."
Woodrow becomes the 9th commander of the HIANG's 154th WG.
The 154th WG has a wide variety of mission sets and maintains and operates the F-22 Raptor, KC-135 Stratotanker, and C-17 Globemaster; the Raptor and Globemaster are maintained and flown in partnership with the 15th WG active duty.
The 154th WG is the largest Air National Guard wing in the nation.
"We have a world class wing, and I appreciate the opportunity and the challenge," Woodrow said.
Woodrow has nearly 30 years of service with the Air Force and has held various leadership positions at the squadron, group and now wing level. He has over 7100 flying hours including 172 combat hours in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He is a decorated command pilot with experience flying the T-37, C-130, and C-17.