POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, N.C. -- The 43rd Air Mobility Operations Group conducted a Change of Responsibility Ceremony, July 8, 2024. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Brammer, 43rd AMOG outgoing command chief, passed the reigns of responsibility to Chief Master Sgt. Tomio P. Brown, 43rd AMOG incoming command chief.
Brown will serve as Pope Army Airfield’s second command chief in more than 10 years. A command chief is a position held by a chief master sergeant and is the most senior enlisted leader within an organization. Command chiefs serve as an advisor to a commander and advocate for enlisted Airmen.
As the event began, Col. Allen C. Morris Jr., 43rd AMOG commander, spoke about Brammer’s tenure as the 43rd AMOG command chief.
“The strength and humility with which you carried yourself demands the respect you've earned these last few years as the first 43rd AMOG command chief in a decade,” Morris said. “I'm so happy that I had the opportunity to serve with you at the culmination of a winding path that turns just like a river and comes to a confluence here today. The water keeps flowing, but the path is a little different from here.”
“We had a slew of laughs,” he continued. “I will always remember your course, your guidance and acceleration your strength and humility. It made the last eight months a highlight of my own journey, and I am thankful for it.”
After Morris concluded regaling in the time serving with Brammer, he addressed Brown as the ceremony went on.
“You've got a large levy to fill stepping into Chief Brammer’s shoes,” Morris began. “There's a lot to do and a lot to get after. I'm very happy to have you leading the enlisted force and guiding our forward progress for the foreseeable future. You got that same strength and humility that Chief Brammer exudes, and that's why you're here. Get ready. This is going to be a ride and I can't wait.”
Morris then turned his attention back to Brammer and gave him the floor for his last public remarks as command chief.
“As I stand here today during this change of responsibility ceremony, I'm filled with a deep sense of humility and gratitude for the past two years,” Brammer said stoically. “It's been my profound honor to serve as the first command chief of the 43rd AMOG and the first command chief here at Pope in just more than 10 years.”
“This journey's been incredible,” he continued. “I owe a debt of gratitude to the remarkable Airmen leaders, civilians who made our mission happen every day. When I assumed this position, I was humbled by the responsibility, but eager to make a positive impact. My primary goal was to take care of Airmen. That's the reason I stayed past 20 years. I wanted to ensure they had the support, resources, and the guidance they needed to excel. I'm proud to say that together, we've achieved some pretty great things.”
Brammer then provided simple, but profound encouragement to Brown as he finished his remarks.
“Chief Brown, I'm excited for you and your family. I am confident that you're the perfect leader for this role. You're inheriting an extraordinary team, and I know they're in great hands.”
The three men then took center stage framed between the guidons of each squadron across Pope. The Change of Responsibility was about to take place. The Change of Responsibility Ceremony serves the function of rendering honors to the departing senior enlisted leader and provides official recognition of the transfer of responsibility to the incoming senior enlisted leader. The ceremony reinforces the noncommissioned officer’s authority in the Air Force and highlights their support to the chain of command.
Brammer relinquished responsibility to Morris by the passing of the 43rd AMOG guidon and Brown assumed responsibility by receiving the guidon – both actions punctuated by a salute to the 43rd AMOG commander. After a round of applause, Brown then did his first address to the Airmen of Pope as the newest 43rd AMOG command chief.
“Today's a day of transition, yet a day of celebration as well,” Brown began. “A day to celebrate the great work that Chief Brammer has accomplished over his tenure. Thank you for showing us the way. You've run this relay race with grit and determination better than anyone I know. You’ve set the bar high and readied the force to project joint power… without fail.”
“I now have the baton,” Brown continued. “I now have the flag and I will carry it proudly. To the active-duty, reservists, government civilians and contractors – thank you for your service, your sacrifice, your steadfast dedication to the 43rd AMOG, the Air Force and to our country. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you as I get reacquainted with the command. I am excited for the opportunity, excited for what is to come, and for what we will accomplish together as we project the force, support the force, and train the force for tomorrow’s conflict. Willing – Able – Ready. Let's go! Thank you.”