There is a new “wing king” at Berry Field.

In front of all 1,100 Airmen in formation, Col. Todd Wiles took command of the 118th Wing, Tennessee Air National Guard from Col. Keith Allbritten Nov. 3, 2019 at Berry Field Air National Guard Base, Nashville, Tennessee.

Wiles, now the twenty-seventh commander of the 118th WG, was previously commander of the 118th Operations Group.

“To be asked to be the wing commander of the 118th WG was just an incredible honor,” said Wiles. “To have a chance to serve in this capacity, it's definitely the highlight of my career.”

“Col. Wiles is a great guy, he's a good man inside, and that will carry him a long way,” said Allbritten, who will be retiring in December 2019 after 30 years of military service. “I feel very confident about him sitting in my chair.”

118th WG members should expect much of the same great leadership qualities from the previous commander, but with a new approach.

Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Williams, the 118th WG command chief, said that while Allbritten leaves the wing in great shape, he expects Wiles’ leadership to take the wing to the next level of excellence.

As for his first priorities as wing commander, Wiles said he just wants to observe what everyone is doing.

“I never want to come into a new position with a scorched-earth policy,” said Wiles. “A smart, new leader would take a little bit of time to make sure he sees the complete battle space, and has situational awareness of why all the procedures and programs are in place.”

Wiles said that while he will look into applying improvements and efficiencies where necessary, he has complete trust in his Airmen to be professionals and get their jobs done.

“Col. Wiles is a dialed-in and focused leader,” said Williams. “I'm looking forward to working with him, and being under his command.”