Veteran pilot steps up to second in command

  • Published
  • By TSgt. Timm Huffman
  • 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  A 20-year Westover reservist and C-5 pilot stepped up June 1 to second in command of the Patriot Wing.

Col. Jeffrey Hancock is the new 439th Airlift Wing vice commander.

Col. Hancock's decades of service at Westover have put him in the air with thousands of hours of flying time as a C-5 evaluation aircraft commander, and back on the ground in leadership roles as well. He is a former 337th Airlift Squadron commander and 439th Operations Support Squadron commander. Given his experience, Col. Hancock is already familiar with the inner workings and specific needs of the base. Before coming to Westover, Col. Hancock served seven years on active duty, racking up 1,500 hours in the KC-135. At Westover, he's accrued 5,200 flying hours in the C-5.

As a civilian, Col. Hancock serves as a first officer on 747-400s for United Parcel Service. He enjoys the opportunities his job affords for him to travel, both on and off duty. Asia is one of his favorite destinations, where he experiences a drastically different culture and learns about the history and economy of a region with growing global influence. The colonel also likes exploring his native New England and enjoys riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Q.  What factors distinguished you for the position of vice commander?

A.  I think what definitely helped is my background at Westover, being here for 20 years. It gave me a familiarity with the operations and the base itself and the people who work here, both on the civilian and military side. So I think I bring that that long history and knowledge of the workings here. The other part of it is being a commander here and seeing from the operations side of the house how the rest of the wing functions, not only here locally, but also in the Air Force Reserve and the Air Force in general.

Q.  What did it take for you to attain this level of success in your Air Force career?

A.   I think what helped was following a path that some of my predecessors had set. The mentors in my career helped me be the best I can be at my primary job. They also explained how important "expanding your horizons" is getting professional military education and going out and working on those professional degrees. These help you become a better leader and give you a broader perspective of how to lead troops and manage squadrons.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish as Westover's new second-in-command?

A. My goal is to assist the wing commander in continuing the strong foundation we've set here at the 439th Airlift Wing as Leaders in Excellence. We have a great group of people at this base, one of the most dedicated groups that I've seen in terms of AFRC bases and wings, and we've got a really strong set of people that know how to get the job done, know what the priorities are and love doing what they're doing. I look forward to contributing to that.

Q. As the new vice commander, what are you most looking forward to?

A. I'm looking forward to putting the knowledge and opportunities I've been given in the past and paying them forward in terms of helping our Airmen become better and smarter. I also anticipate helping us get the mission done while being fiscally responsible.

Q. How would you describe your leadership style?

A. My leadership style mentors our Airmen for future development. You have to be a good listener as well as a communicator if you're going to be an effective leader. You have to make sure you understand what the issues are. Then you have to apply that understanding and direct your Airmen to action.

Q. If you could say one thing to the Airmen at Westover, what would it be?

A. Try to be the best you can be professionally. Hopefully we're giving you the tools to get to where you need to be, but we also like to see that you're pushing yourself, participating and giving 100 percent to Westover and the Air Force Reserve.