Col. Shamekia Toliver takes command of 42nd Air Base Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base

42nd Air Base Wing Change of Command Ceremony at Maxwell Air Force Base, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 – Photo from WAKA Action 8 News

A ceremony was held this morning at Maxwell Air Force Base as Col. Ryan Richardson transferred command of the 42nd Air Base Wing to Col. Shamekia N. Toliver.

Col. Toliver, the new Maxwell-Gunter Installation Commander, had been commander of the 502d Installation Support Group Joint Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Col. Toliver entered the Air Force in 1994 as an airman in the enlisted corps. She holds a Master of Science degree in civil engineering and a special experience identifier as a board certified and licensed professional engineer.

“I am grateful for the setting, the orientation of this podium of this stage in this hanger, which offers a stark, unmistakable reminder to those of us up here as to why we serve, why we prepare and brings into focus our respective roles here at Maxwell Air Force Base,” Col. Richardson said.

42nd Air Base Wing Change of Command Ceremony at Maxwell Air Force Base, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 – Photo from WAKA Action 8 News

“I am honored to be joining the professionals charged with executing the mission at Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex, and to take command of the 42nd Air Base Wing. I look forward to working with each of you to uphold the proud legacy of this wing. I know firsthand that wing command is a privilege that only a few are chosen for, and to get this opportunity is truly humbling,” Col. Toliver said.

Col. Ryan Richardson led all base operating infrastructure and service support for 4,200 active duty reserve civilian and contract personnel, students and families at Maxwell and Gunter Annex in direct support of the University 908th Airlift Wing.

Col. Richardson is headed to command the Fighting 55th at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.