355 FW CoC

Col. Paul T. Johnson, right, receives the 355th Fighter Wing guidon from Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, during a change-of-command ceremony at the 55th Helicopter Maintenance Unit hangar yesterday. Colonel Johnson is the 48th base wing commander at Davis-Monthan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacqueline Hawkins)

Colonel Johnson takes over as new wing commander

Published July 10, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Tim Beckham
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 355th Fighter Wing's command changed hands July 10 when Col. Paul T. Johnson took command of the wing from Col. Kent Laughbaum during a change-of-command ceremony at the 55th Helicopter Maintenance Unit hangar here.

Colonel Johnson is the 48th commander of Davis-Monthan's host wing and most recently served at the Pentagon as the executive officer to the vice chief of staff of the Air Force.

Colonel Johnson is a senior pilot with more than 2,500 flying hours in the A-10. He's also a recipient of several decorations, including the Air Force Cross, the Air Force's highest individual award, behind only the Medal of Honor.

Colonel Johnson entered the Air Force in May 1985 after receiving his commission from Officer Training School, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

A time-honored military tradition, the change-of-command ceremony is a formal event that allows other Airmen to personally witness the command authority passing from one officer to another.