Lay takes reins of the 913 AG

Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. -- Service members and community leaders watched as Maj. Gen. John Stokes, Commander 22nd Air Force at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, gave command of the 913th Airlift Group to Col. Christopher Lay during an Assumption of Command ceremony June 3, 2017, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.

In his acceptance speech Lay acknowledged the many mission and aircraft changes the Group has undergone since first being activated in July 2014 and recognized members for their dedication during the unpredictable times.

“The Airmen I've talked with are eager to contribute and ready to answer our Air Force's call,” he said. “The 913th has had a long-period of uncertainty, but we've now been charged with a clear and important mission. I'm excited to be joining the 913th Airlift Group at such a key moment as we strive to become a combat C-130 Airlift Group.”

Lay also told the audience that his priorities were his people and the Group’s mission.

“I want the 913th Airlift Group to be a combat-focused organization known for taking care of its Airmen while expertly accomplishing its assignment. I expect us to be able to accomplish this and expect our leadership team to remain focused on that which is most important: our mission and our Airmen,” he said.

The Reserve Group, which maintains a classic association with the 19th Airlift Wing, will continue to work closely with their active duty counterparts according to Lay.

“I look forward to identifying opportunities to partner with our base counter-parts,” he said. “I’m a strong proponent of synergistic training.”

Lay was previously assigned to the Pentagon as the Director, Headquarters Air Force, Executive Secretariat.

Lay replaces Col. Craig Drescher, who commanded the 913 AG from April 2015 until July 2016. Col. Anthony Brusca, vice commander of the Group, has been in charge since Drescher’s departure.