91st Space Wing welcomes new commander Published May 13, 2008 By Maj. Elizabeth Ortiz Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- With the passing of the organizational flag, command of the 91st Space Wing changed hands May 13 in a ceremony held at the Patterson Maintenance Facility here. Col. Christopher B. Ayres assumed command of the wing from Col. Marty Whelan, who took command in July 2006 and has now been assigned to U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. Maj. Gen. Roger W. Burg, 20th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony and noted while command was changing, the commitment and excellence of 91st SW leadership remains the same. "Under his (Colonel Whelan) command, the 91st Space Wing soared to new heights," General Burg said. "Command is a sacred trust with the citizens of the United States. Colonel Ayres is a strong and talented leader who has clearly demonstrated he's ready for the challenge of command." Representing the three groups in the 91st SW, operations, maintenance and security forces, almost 200 Airmen from the wing stood in formation during the ceremony. After rendering a final salute to the outgoing commander, the formation saluted Colonel Ayres upon assuming command. "It is with great and humble pride that I'm here today accepting this command," said Colonel Ayres. "Every one of you have got to remember this: You are America's Airmen. You are capable, you are credible, you are faithful to a proud heritage, faithful to a proud legacy of excellence." Starting a chapter in the "rich history of this great wing" as General Burg put it, Colonel Ayres is the 47th commander of the space wing. "We are the Rough Riders of the North. We are the best," the new commander said. "Let's charge, let's fight, let's win with perfection."