302nd Airlift Wing welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tim Taylor
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Col. James J. Muscatell Jr. assumed command of the 302nd Airlift Wing in a change-of-command ceremony March 4. He succeeds Brig. Gen. William P. Kane, who has commanded the unit since July 2004, and is retiring. 

“I stand before you today, reluctantly, to do my last act as commander of this wing,” said General Kane. “In the end, the message I would like to give Colonel Muscatell is I have been extremely proud to be commander of the 302nd Airlift Wing. 

“It has been a privilege and it has been an honor to be your commander.” 

Maj. General. James D. Bankers, 22nd Air Force commander, who officiated the change-of-command, spoke of everything the wing was involved with during General Kane’s time here. This included the aerial firefighting mission, mobilizations and deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and U.S. Central Command operations in Southwest Asia and the stand-up the 70th Flying Training Squadron at the U.S. Air Force Academy. 

“Through all that, General Kane has exhibited outstanding leadership, magnificent leadership,” said General Bankers. 

He praised the wing’s members, as well as their families, for their efforts and their sacrifices. 

“Thank you for your continued support in this war on terrorism,” he said. “Your dedication and your commitment to this country and this unit have been wonderful. 

“Thank you to your families for their support of you.” 

Colonel Muscatell, who will relinquish command of the 934th Airlift Wing, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Air Reserve Station, Minn., in April, will take over official duties as the 302nd AW commander April 5. 

The colonel was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and is a 1979 graduate of the Air Force Academy. He is a command pilot with more than 7,000 flying hours. 

Colonel Muscatell served on the Air Force Crisis Action team for post 9-11 civil support and coordinated Air Force Reserve Command’s first wartime command deployment package during Operation Enduring Freedom. He commanded the first C-17 European strategic intratheater deployment and also commanded the 409th Aerospace Expeditionary Group during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he helped begin the process to establish a base in Bourgas, Bulgaria. 

As the newest 302nd AW commander, he intends to carry on a tradition which is rich in history and success. 

“This is a great wing with a great reputation,” he said. “This is not my wing, this is your wing. What I offer you is my support.”