ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE – A veteran maintenance officer and system program manager took command of the 330th Aircraft Sustainment and 542nd Combat Sustainment Wings at Robins Air Force Base Friday morning.

Col. Howard Davis replaced Col. Tim Freeman in the dual-hatted role. The two Robins units will be consolidated this summer to form the 330th Aerospace Sustainment Wing. Freeman, who has been at Robins since June of 2006, is taking an acquisition position at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.

In the Robins role, Davis will be responsible for worldwide management and sustainment of more than 3,000 aircraft, including the Air Force’s fleet of C-130s, C-5s, C-17s, F-15s, U-2s, Joint STARS and the unmanned Predators, Reapers and Global Hawks. He will directly lead a 330th ASW workforce of 1,500 with a budget of $9.7 billion. Another 1,300 people work in the 542nd with an operating budget of $4.4 billion.

Davis, a Florida native, has been commander of the 538th Aircraft Sustainment Group at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center commander, presided over the change of command ceremony at the Museum of Aviation’s Century of Flight Hangar.

Peyer praised Freeman, saying he brought to Robins a “special blend of leadership and mentorship.” Pointing to 19 different assignments in almost 26 years in the Air Force, Peyer said Freeman was the “epitome of success for an Air Force colonel.”

“He had a focus on supporting people – loving them and bringing out the best in them,” Peyer told a large audience of Robins and community dignitaries.

The center commander said Davis comes to Robins with the right credentials. “He is very familiar with Air Force Materiel Command,” she noted, “and he has extensive aircraft maintenance and foreign military sales experience.” AFMC, headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the parent agency for the local installation.

Peyer described Davis as humble but also very assertive. “He will set high standards, outline high principles then get out of the way and let people do their job,” the general said.

Freeman addressed the Museum crowd briefly, saying leaving Robins was very hard. He praised his work force, noting that 92 percent were civilian employees.

“It’s been a tremendous honor and privilege,” he said, fighting back the emotion of the moment. “Thanks for all the great love and support you’ve given me – for trusting me and allowing me to be your leader.”

Davis said he was humbled by the Air Force’s confidence in him. “I’m very proud to join Team Robins,” he told the large assembly. “I look forward to adding to that proud heritage.”