Colonel Johari Hemphill named new commander of the 78th Air Base Wing 

WARNER ROBINS – The 78th Air Base Wing welcomed its new commander, Colonel Johari Hemphill, during the Change of Command ceremony on Tuesday, July 8.

Hemphill replaced former commander Colonel Deedrick Reese. It was an emotional ceremony for Reese as he said goodbye to the 78th Air Base Wing after two years in command.

The Change of Command Ceremony is an honored tradition going back to the Middle Ages. A formal change of command provided troops with the opportunity to witness the proceedings and see their new commander. 

Reese gave thanks to the people who had helped him in various ways, including the personnel at the Air Base Wing. Reese also shared the various contributions the Air Base Wing made under his leadership. This includes improving RAFB’s infrastructure in line with its 2041 vision and vaccinating half of Middle Georgia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reese provided words of encouragement to Hemphill during the ceremony.

“I know you see it now but this is holy ground. The mission, the people, the community; it’s all sacred. I know you’re the right leader for them and take them much farther than I ever could,” he said.

Reese ends his remarks by remembering the promises he made two years ago when he was named commander. He promised to organize, equip and excel airmen, create a space where they could grow to their maximum potential and keep them laser-focused on why they serve. 

“If the 78th doesn’t get it done, the mission doesn’t get done and because of your excellence, Team Robins never fails,” he said. “Hold that line, guard this culture like treasure and wrap those same iron strong arms around Colonel Hemphill and help him take you even higher.”

As commander of the 78th Air Base Wing, Hemphill will oversee the state’s largest single-site industrial complex. It supports 54 mission partners, including the Air Force Reserve Command, an air logistics complex and three wings on the 6,935-acre installation with more than 22,000 total force Airmen assigned. 

He is also responsible for logistics, medical, civil engineer, security and mission support functions.

During the ceremony, Hemphill shared his focus for Team Robins, which includes having as much stability as possible as he takes over the reins of command. 

He said Team Robins is on the leading edge of selfless service and sacrifice. He will ensure that he takes on the fight to the enemy on their terms. Hemphill shared his focus is simple: to improve on the current lines of effort through partnership, advanced technology and welfare. 

He hopes to build upon what has already been done at RAFB and looks forward to its 2041 vision. Hemphill wants to continue to build on partnerships and the base’s infrastructure.

He said Team Robins will hold themselves accountable to the highest standards. He hopes to create environmental professionalism, teamwork, dignity, respect and transparency. He will also strive to understand that their actions extend beyond RAFB.

“We strive for our harmonious balance between mission success and personal well being. We will empower and elevate the community; all of which align with the theme of Team Robins, Robins Ready [and] Robins Proud,” he said.

Hemphill wants his fellow airmen to know they are leaders and he will trust them. He said he will be there to support them and make sure they are ready to support the Air Force.

Hemphill shared that he and his family are excited to join Team Robins and are looking forward to getting to know the community.

“[I am] looking forward to getting to know the people just arriving here and hearing the legacy that is here in this community,” he said. “Just being able to get out and see the people, see the airmen and then get out to the community, understand how this works and this beautiful place.”