Maj. Billy Shaw takes the unit guidon from Col. John Oliver during the 65th Logistics Readiness Squadron change of command ceremony. Shaw assumed command of the 65th LRS from Lt.Col. Scott Hopper. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chenzira Mallory)
Maj. Billy Shaw addresses the crowd during the 65th Logistics Readiness Squadron change of command ceremony, Oct. 9, 2012, Lajes Field. Shaw assumed command of the 65th LRS from Lt. Col. Scott Hopper. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chenzira Mallory)
by Lt. Brian Graff
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
10/9/2012 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- The 65th Logistics Readiness Squadron guidon changed hands today as Lt. Col. Scott Hopper relinquished command to Maj. Billy Shaw in a change of command ceremony here Oct. 9. Col. John Oliver, 65th Mission Support Group commander, presided over the ceremony.
"This moment isn't mine. This moment is ours," said Shaw to the men and women of the 65 LRS.
"I look forward to proving myself a man of my word. I'll never make the mistake of (forgetting) to take the time to get to know my people and getting to know their stories," said Shaw, before a formation of his logistics personnel, distinguished guests and visitors.
Shaw credited his family and both parents, Air Force veterans with more than 50 years of combined service, for shaping his leadership qualities and career. Shaw and his wife have two daughters.
"I want to say 'thanks' to my father for teaching me the importance of character and the importance of perseverance," said Shaw.
"I want to thank my mom for demonstrating determination and courage. She lost both of her parents when she was a young girl and spent several years - about five years -in an orphanage. But she transformed herself into a Chief in the United States Air Force," said Shaw.
Shaw added that his mother conducted detainee operations in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. "My mom is the definition of personal courage," said Shaw.
Shaw takes command of the 65 LRS which provides logistics support to allied forces operating in and throughout the Atlantic Ocean area of operations. The squadron enables expeditionary forces by providing supply, distribution, refueling operations and vehicle management functions for the 65th Air Base Wing and other Lajes Field mission partners.
65 LRS personnel also maintain and operate a remote sea port location supporting U.S. personnel assigned to Lajes Field.
Shaw is a 2000 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy with a degree in management. He holds a master's degree in transportation and logistics management from American Military University. Shaw is a career logistics officer and has deployed to Afghanistan twice.
Hopper had commanded the 65 LRS since June 2011. He was recognized with the Meritorious Service Medal and a final salute from 65 LRS personnel prior to relinquishing command.
Hopper is being assigned to Headquarters Defense Logistics Agency, as the Deputy Director of the Defense Logistics Management Standards Office.
