SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo -- Reserve Citizen Airmen of the 310th Space Wing recognized a new wing commander during a change of command ceremony at the Schriever Space Force Base fitness center, June 3.
Maj. Gen. Bryan Radliff, the 10th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony as Col. James Taggart assumed command of the wing from Col. Shariful Khan.
Addressing Taggart, Radliff said, “Welcome to the best job you will ever have. You are well respected by your peers, and mine, and you are not here by accident.”
Radliff continued, “Your background is varied in just what is needed to continue to move the 310th Space Wing into the future, ensuring the ever-important connection between space operations and our warfighters who depend on the exquisite capabilities provided by, with and through space.”
After formally accepting command of the 310th SW through the passing of the guidon, Taggart took to the podium and addressed the members of the wing for the first time as commander.
“The high functioning team can overcome challenges that seem impossible. And they simultaneously respect the contributions and efforts of all members of that team. The nation deserves this type of teamwork from the 310th Space Wing, and I know we can achieve it together,” said Taggart, “The Nation needs us right now. It needs all of our talent, and we need to be ready now when the call comes. I am prepared in my heart and soul to pursue this with all of you. I am one of you, one of your teammates and we will care for each other and win together.”
Taggart will be responsible for approximately 1,100 military and civilian personnel assigned to 14 units, including two that are geographically separated. The wing is responsible for a diverse set of missions to include space operations, missile warning, navigation, weather, medical and mission support.
Prior to taking command of the 310th SW, Taggart served as the vice commander of the wing.
Khan will continue to serve as the mobilization assistant to the deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs, requirements and analysis, U.S. Space Force, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.