TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Gradel assumed responsibility as the 72nd Air Base Wing Command Chief in a ceremony held here July 8, 2024.
The assumption of responsibility ceremony is an important part of the military tradition that celebrates the assumption of responsibilities by a senior enlisted leader after receiving the colors.
Before the colors were passed Col. Abigail Ruscetta, 72nd ABW and installation commander, addressed her new command partner.
“Thank you in advance for helping me with direction and policy as we carry out our mission and our dedication to Team Tinker and our Wildcatter Wing,” said Ruscetta. “Together we are going to aggressively get after our Air Force Sustainment Center’s P4 priorities and our wing priorities.”
The new Command Chief began his tenure by thanking community members and senior enlisted leaders before speaking directly to the Airmen of Team Tinker.
“To the men and women of Tinker Air Force Base and the 72nd Air Base Wing I know you’re busy every day working hard to keep our nation strong and our families free,” said Gradel. “I know your families are like mine and they sacrifice every single day… I want to know what makes you tick… I want to know your struggles so that I can help lift you up.”