CV wishes Team Vance farewell Published Nov. 29, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Amanda Mills Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- After serving nearly two years as Team Vance's second-in-charge, the 71st Flying Training Wing vice commander passes over his reins today. Col. Wade Johnson leaves Vance Air Force Base to become an Air War College instructor at Maxwell AFB, Ala. "The time seems like it passed in the blink of an eye," Colonel Johnson said. "As I look back, Team Vance has had many accomplishments. We built a T-1 hangar, which made T-1 maintenance better. When I arrived, we weren't sure about how to handle displaced families for the new housing, but it worked out and now it seems we'll have 54 new houses open by the end of the summer. Talk of a new logistics center has turned to the first walls now in place. T-38Cs and T-6s were not a reality when I arrived; now they are, allowing us to train better. "On and off base here, people are the most supportive of those at any Air Force base I've been stationed at. I will miss you all." His wife, Kathy, will also miss Team Vance. "I will mostly miss the people," she said. "Everyone is so nice, even downtown. I'd really like to say thank you to Joanna at N&N; Jean and John at (the traffic management office); Jay, Mike and Lloyd at vehicle operations; and Nathan and the guys at the auto hobby shop. They've helped make Enid fun and a nice place to live." Those working closest to Colonel Johnson will miss his approachable attitude. Working with Colonel Johnson was like working in "Pleasantville" every day, his staff members said. His even-tempered manner provided a stable work environment that fostered both efficiency and creativity. Although Colonel Johnson departs Vance AFB, his work can still be seen in his wing accomplishments. Colonel Johnson directed the transition to the T-38C, bringing 60 of the updated aircraft on board. He helped poise the wing for bed down of the new T-6A Texan primary trainer, completing equipment purchases and training projects ahead of schedule. He worked with local leaders to get congressional support for military construction projects, including the new $15 million logistics complex. He fought to enhance force protection, procuring $200,000 for the northern perimeter fencing and surveillance project. He also coordinated with headquarters to receive $1.2 million in funding for the extension of the entry road and relocation of the main gate. Col. Jerry Siegel, Pacific Air Forces inspector general, has been named Colonel Johnson's replacement. He is scheduled to arrive in July.