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20th FW welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Bass
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Col. Clay Hall relinquished command of the 20th Fighter Wing to Col. Stephen Jost during a change of command ceremony here, May 30.

Maj. Gen. Jake Polumbo, Ninth Air Force commander, presided over the traditional military ceremony. The exchange of the unit's guidon during a change of command symbolizes transfer of authority between outgoing and incoming commanders.

"This morning I have the great privilege of recognizing two great officers," said Polumbo. "One who has led and one who will lead this fine combat organization known as the 20th Fighter Wing."

Hall was commander of the 20th FW for the past two years during which he led the wing in sustained combat readiness despite continuous, wing-wide deployments. During Hall's time as commander, the 20th Medical Group received the Air Combat Command Clinic of the Year award, the 20th FW Chapel received ACC Chapel of the Year, and the wing received the meritorious unit award two consecutive years.

For his dedicated service to the wing, Hall was presented with the Legion of Merit award.

Hall thanked the men and women of the 20th FW for their hard work calling the wing, "America's premier air power."

Polumbo spoke of Hall saying, "The motto of the mission is 'first in, last out', and that's Clay Hall, that's the way he leads."

Jost assumed command of the Air Force's largest combat F-16CJ Fighting Falcon wing, which supports 82 F-16s and more than 7,000 active duty Airmen.

"Jost brings a leadership style that enhances and promotes a commitment to service and he has an impressive track record of success," said Polumbo.

Jost, expressing sentiments to his Airmen; vowed, as wing commander to care for the men and women of the 20th FW, ensure mission success and to be a steward of Shaw, tenant units and the local community.

"I believe deeply in your value, your worth and your potential," said Jost. "My job is to tap into that at all levels by whatever means, to make you better tomorrow than you were today."

Jost is a command pilot with more than 2,500 flight hours. He has flown the F-35A Lightning II, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, T-37 Tweet, and T-38 Talon. Jost has flown missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Southern Watch, Noble Eagle, and the Republic of South Korea defense obligations. Before assuming command of the 20th FW, Jost was the 33rd Operation Group commander at Eglin AFB, Fla.