Command of 5th FTS changes hands

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Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  The 5th Flying Training Squadron welcomes new leadership during a ceremony at 10 a.m. today in Hangar 170.
Lt Col David Clark accepts command of the squadron from Lt Col Robert Williamson.
Colonel Clark was previously the 5th's director of operations.
"I am excited and honored to take command of a squadron that I helped established and develop," Colonel Clark said. "I have worked with most people in this squadron for several years so I know first-hand that I have the finest officers and enlisted personnel a commander could hope for."
Colonel Williamson now travels to the 340th Flying Training Group at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
"Gayla and I are sorry we have to go, we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here with the 5th and the Enid community during this tour," Colonel Williamson said. "Lt Col Clark is an outstanding officer and will make a great commander for the 5th. He has a lot of experience in leadership positions within the 5th and he understands the mission and the importance of maintaining positive relationships with Team Vance. David has the right sight picture; I expect great things."
Colonel Clark received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1983 after graduating from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Following Undergraduate Pilot Training here, he was assigned to the 7th Military Airlift Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., flying the
C-141B. In 1987 he co-developed and implemented the 60th Military Airlift Wing Combat Air Tactics Program for Strategic Airlift Aircraft.
In 1990 Colonel Clark completed his active duty service and transferred to the 710th Airlift Squadron, U.S. Air Force Reserve, at Travis AFB. He served as a
C-141B instructor pilot and flew more than 80 hours of combat support during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 1996 when the 710th AS was deactivated, Colonel Clark transferred to the 9001st Air Reserve Squadron, United States Air Force Academy to serve as a liaison officer in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, area.
In 1998 Colonel Clark was selected as the first T-37 instructor pilot in the Air Force Reserve Command Associate Instructor Pilot Program, at the 5th FTS. He then served as T-37 flight commander and 5th FTS director of operations.
Colonel Clark is a command pilot with more than 4,500 flight hours in the T-37, T-38, and C-141B aircraft. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Combat Readiness Medal.
(71st FTW Public Affairs)