News

78th ABW welcomes new leader

  • Published
  • By Wayne Crenshaw
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Col. Mitchel Butikofer took command of the 78th Air Base Wing before hundreds of base and community members in a ceremony June 30 at the Museum of Aviation.

He replaced Col. Carl Buhler, who led the wing for two years.

Butikofer comes to Robins from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where he served as director of communications for Air Mobility Command.

Maj. Gen. Robert McMahon, Center commander, told the audience Butikofer is well qualified to lead the wing.

"I have every confidence the 78th Air Base Wing will benefit greatly from Mitch's leadership," McMahon said.

Butikofer said he was "honored and humbled" to take on the assignment.

"Team Robins members, I look forward to working with you as mission partners in developing innovative solutions to the challenges we will overcome together," he said after taking the guidon.

Buhler was given the Legion of Merit award for his efforts in leading the wing. McMahon credited Buhler with numerous initiatives, including reducing energy consumption, coping with "draconian" budget cuts, and sparking an effort to get an east-side entrance to the base.

"He has fundamentally transformed the air base wing," McMahon said.
Buhler thanked the members of the wing, leaders around the base and members of the community.

"This is by far the best community I've been associated with," Buhler said. "Your patriotism and support is unlike any community I have ever seen, and unlike any I will ever see."