Liberty Wing welcomes new commander

Col. Evan Pettus addresses the 48th Fighter Wing at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 19. Pettus’ previous assignment was as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, J3, United States Forces Korea. He is a command pilot with more than 2,200 flight hours in the F-15E Strike Eagle, and he is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Erin Babis)

Liberty Wing welcomes new commander

48th Fighter Wing Airmen salute during the presentation of the colors for the wing change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 19. During the ceremony Col. Robert Novotny relinquished command of the 48th FW to Col. Evan Pettus. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Abby L. Finkel)

Liberty Wing welcomes new commander

Col. Evan Pettus assumes command of the 48th Fighter Wing at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 19. Pettus’ previous assignment was as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, J3, United States Forces Korea. He is a command pilot with more than 2,200 flight hours in the F-15E Strike Eagle, and he is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Erin Babis)

Liberty Wing welcomes new commander

Airmen present Col. Evan Pettus, 48th Fighter Wing commander, with his named F-15E Strike Eagle after he assumed command at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 19. Pettus’ previous assignment was as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, J3, United States Forces Korea. He is a command pilot with more than 2,200 flight hours in the F-15E Strike Eagle, and he is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Erin Babis)

Liberty Wing welcomes new commander

Published July 19, 2016
By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The Liberty Wing welcomed Col. Evan L. Pettus as he assumed command of the 48th Fighter Wing from Col. Robert G. Novotny during a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 19.

Novotny served as commander of the 48th FW for two years and recently announced that the Liberty Wing had been awarded the Meritorious Unit Award for its outstanding performance.

“I love the Liberty Wing, I love Liberty Airmen, and it has been my honor to be your commander,” Novotny said.

Hundreds gathered to witness the ceremony and take part in the long-standing Air Force tradition, which represents the trust of command being passed from one commander to the next.

“Liberty Airmen have a lot to be proud of, and I promise to work hard to ensure that this wing maintains its current level of efficiency,” Pettus said.

Pettus previously served as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations at U.S. Forces Korea. He is a command pilot with more than 2,500 flight hours, and he is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy.