Team Robins welcomes new Command Chief in Change of Responsibility Ceremony 

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE – Robins Air Force Base hosted the first 78th Air Base Wing Change of Responsibility ceremony Monday morning. 

Command Chief of the 78th Air Base Wing Chief Master Sergeant Luis R. Magaña will relinquish his responsibilities to Chief Master Sergeant Lloyd E. Morales. 

“The Change of Responsibility Ceremony is steep in military tradition and serves to function by rendering honors to the departing Command Chief and providing official recognition to transfer responsibility to the incoming Command Chief,” said Master Sergeant and narrator of the ceremony Aaron Myers. “The ceremony reinforces the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Authority in the Air Force and highlights their support for the chain of command.” 

Robins Instillation and 78th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Deedrick Reese shared his remarks. 

“Distinguished guests and visitors, senior leaders, commanders and the members of Team Robins and our extended Air Force community, thank you for being here and for celebrating this momentous occasion with us,” he said. “It’s a great honor for me to welcome you to each of this dignified Change of Command, Change of Responsibility Ceremony.”

Reese then recognized Lieutenant General Stacey Hawkins, the Air Force Sustainment Center Commander, and Chief Maribeth Ferrer, the Air Force Sustainment Center Senior Enlisted Leader. 

“The fact that you traveled all the way from Oklahoma City to be here with us, highlights the importance of this ceremony,” he said. “ We’re grateful to have your support and leadership.” 

Reese also thanked the families of Magaña and Morales. 

“For the Magaña family, thank you for your service and team Morales, welcome to Team Robins,” he said. “Your presence here today and the support you’ve shown to the Chief’s career is deeply appreciated, and the men and women of Team Robins extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your sacrifice and your encouragement.” 

Reese reflected on the 78th Air Base Wing Command’s mission and vision. 

“The 78th Air Base Wing aims to be the Air Force model for installation support. Serving 54 mission partners and nearly 24,000 total force airmen. Our core values of integrity, innovation and collaboration drive us to enhance base readiness, resilience and vitality,” he said. “Through strategic partnerships and advanced technologies, we prioritize the welfare of our airmen and their families. Our mission readiness focuses on combat readiness, infrastructure support and maintaining rigorous standards. We foster an environment of professionalism, teamwork, dignity, respect and transparency contributing significantly to national convent, defense and global impact. Our efforts position Robins Air Force Base as a crucial power projection platform for the Air Force’s dominance and national strength.” 

Reese said the Command’s new missions include advanced command and control, airborne and ground combat communications and Spectrum Warfare and Combat Airfield capabilities. 

“We support the Air Force Reserve Command overseeing 65,000 reserve forces active in every active component mission,” he said. “Together we form a cohesive and thriving ecosystem that supports today’s missions and tomorrow’s challenges.” 

Reese then focused on the term “responsibility.” 

“Responsibility particularly for an Air Force Command Chief is a profound and multifaceted duty,” he said. “According to the Chief’s Creed, a Chief Master Sergeants’ responsibilities are to serve as a role model, mentor and leader to the entire enlisted force upholding the highest standards of the Air Force.”

He then acknowledged the work Magaña has done for Robins Air Force Base. 

“Over the past two years, [Magaña’s] mission impact was felt across the installation where he focused on enhancing our readiness and communication by integrating over 2,000 airmen into a great power competition mindset,” he said. “Chief’s leadership, advocacy and advice was critical to the Instillation’s Child Development Center and Youth Programs Restructure. He revitalized culture, organization and facilities training providing world-class care to 181 children and ensuring effective communication and support to the personnel involved.” 

Reese talked about what kind of a leader Magaña is and the legacy he will leave with.

“His true strength is in his indescribable ability to connect with people, build cohesive teams, and foster enduring relationships,” he said. “The dash between June 2022 and July 2024 is not just an operational achievement but in the lasting impact he had on all of us. The impact he made through his leadership, his ability to connect with people and his passion and commitment of building strong, resilient teams. Chief, thank you for putting everything you had in making Robins proud.”

Reese welcomed Morales to the 78th Air Base Wing Command. 

“I’m here to tell you, we got it right again,” he said. During our interview I knew right away that this is who Team Robins needed as number sixteen. Chief has all the skills needed to pick up right where Chief Magaña left off and take Team Robins to the next level.” 

Before taking this position, Morales was Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. 

“Chief [Morales] I picked you for several reasons: your attitude, values, charisma, education, experience and leadership,” he said. “My heart told me you were the right leader, the right airman and the right chief to pick up where number 15 left off. So 78th Air Base Wing and Team Robins, it is time to put your arms around our new Command Chief, Chief Master Sergeant Morales and his family.” 

CMSgt. Luis R. Magaña then received the Legion of Merit medal and shared his remarks. 

“I can attest that every day in Middle Georgia is Armed Forces Appreciation Day, but this is only possible because of the strong community we have around the installation,” he said. “To all of the First Sergeants, you are the best group of senior NCOs that I have ever worked with. The care and sacrifice that you have for our airmen does not go unnoticed. You all serve with honor and empathy, and you all should be proud of wearing the diamond. I’m proud of you.” 

Magaña then shared his remarks towards Colonel Reese. 

“Words cannot explain how amazing of a commander you are,” he said. “As a step on the next chapter of my life, I will carry with me all of the lessons that I learned from you, the friendship we forged and the knowledge that our relationship will last forever. Thank you for the trust you placed on me and for letting me lead our airmen. I will always be grateful for the partnership.” 

After the Change of Responsibility, CMSgt Lloyd E. Morales shared his remarks. 

“I look forward to enabling the center’s mission to forge readiness and accelerate innovation for America’s warfighters,” he said. “To Chief Magaña, thank you for your leadership and all you have done for Team Robins. We will remain committed to seeing all your efforts and objectives for the installation come to fruition in support of our nation’s defense as well as for the well-being of our warfighters and their families.” 

Morales also had remarks about Colonel Reese. 

“Thank you for your confidence in me to be your senior enlisted leader and wingman on your wing command journey,” he said. “We will continue to ensure Robins Air Force Base is the installation of excellence as we re-optimize for great power competition and bolster community partnerships all while ensuring all personnel across the wing are Robins proud.” 

Morales said he is looking forward to working with the amazing airmen of the 78th Air Wing. He looks forward to serving alongside them, focusing on people, culture and readiness while providing unrivaled installation support and fortifying collaborative relationships with their 55 mission partners.