Col. Michael Power assumes command of the 377th ABW

Maj. Gen Michael Lutton, 20th Air Force commander, passes the guidon to the incoming 377th Air Base Wing commander, Col. Michael Power, at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 20, 2023. With the ceremonial tradition of the passing of the guidon, outgoing commander Col. Jason Vattioni relinquished command to Power. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Kanar)

Col. Michael Power assumes command of the 377th ABW

Members of the Kirtland Air Force Base Honor Guard stand at attention during the 377th Air Base Wing change of command ceremony at KAFB, New Mexico, June 20, 2023. During the ceremony, Col. Jason Vattioni relinquished command to Col. Michael Power, incoming 377th ABW commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Kanar)

Col. Michael Power assumes command of the 377th ABW

Col. Jason Vattioni, 377th Air Base Wing outgoing commander, renders his final salute to members of Team Kirtland during a change of command ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 20, 2023. The change of command ceremony is accomplished in front of the unit allowing all members to witness their new leader assuming his dutiful position. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Kanar)

Col. Michael Power assumes command of the 377th ABW

Maj. Gen Michael Lutton, 20th Air Force commander, receives the guidon from the outgoing commander, Col. Jason Vattioni, at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 20, 2023. The passing of the guidon culminates a series of achievements for the 377th Air Base Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Kanar)

Col. Michael Power assumes command of the 377th ABW

Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing incoming commander, renders his first salute to members of Team Kirtland during the official change of command at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, June 20, 2023. Power, formerly the 90th Maintenance Group commander at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, received command from his predecessor, Col. Jason Vattioni.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Kanar)

Col Michael Power assumes command of the 377th ABW

Published June 20, 2023
By 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
377th Air Base Wing

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

Col. Michael Power assumed command of the 377th Air Base Wing from Col. Jason Vattioni during a change of command ceremony June 20, 2023, at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

Power, who previously served as the commander of the 90th Maintenance Group at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, will now command the 377th Air Base Wing personnel as well as duties of installation commander.

“Major General Lutton, thank you for your trust and confidence in selecting me for this position,” said Power. “To lead the Airmen of the 377th Air Base wing is an amazing honor. We promise we will do our best to take care of Kirtland Air Force Base, the fighting tigers here, and the fighting tigers at Vandenberg Space Force Base.”

With the ceremonial tradition of the passing of the guidon, outgoing commander Vattioni relinquished command to Power.

Vattioni welcomed Power and said farewell to Team Kirtland.

“I challenge you to continue to move at the speed of nuclear surety, to continue to go slow to go fast,” said Vattioni. “Our loved ones, our nation, our allies, and our partners are counting on you to get it right every time. And I want you to know that I am a better person and a better Airmen because of you. Your willingness to share your personal and professional stories with me to help me through my mistakes, to forgive me for those mistakes, and your caring guidance throughout this journey will stay with me forever. I will remain your biggest cheerleader. I will let everyone know the fighting tigers are the best across all our professions and our activities. And I will think about you and I will look forward to hearing from you. For better or worse, I will always be there.”

Vattioni will continue his career in Washington D.C at the Pentagon.