Lyman assumes command of the 153rd Airlift Wing

Col. Paul S. Lyman assumed command of the 153rd Airlift Wing during a change of command ceremony, Feb 13 at the Wyoming Air National Guard base.

     Lyman takes over for Brig. Gen. Bradley A. Swanson, who was recently promoted and will be the newest Director of Plans and Programming of A8/A9 at the National Guard Bureau.

     Lyman has been a member of the 153rd since 1998.

     "I have been a proud Wyoming guardsman for the majority of my military career. I quickly learned when I joined this unit some 18 years ago that the 153rd was a special place with a long history of success," said Lyman.

     "This has been a long time coming," said Brig. Gen. Rader, assistant adjutant general - air.  "Colonel Lyman has worked with and for the last three wing commanders as the vice. He's done a fantastic job. I think he'll do a fantastic job (as wing commander)."

     While the focus was on Lyman, he took time to thank Rader and others who have helped him get where he is today. He also credited the airmen in the audience as the secret to the wing's success over the years.

     "Without question, the secret to this success is you, the airmen.  It's the attitude you bring each and every day to everything you do."

     Lyman entered the Air Force in June 1988 after receiving his commission though the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of Northern Colorado. After completing Undergraduate Navigator Training in July 1989, Lyman went on to operate the F-111, F-15E and C-130H3 aircraft.  Lyman joined the Wyoming Air National Guard after 10 years on active duty. 

     Since joining the wing, Lyman has held many positions, including assistant flight commander, 187th Airlift Squadron commander, Deputy Operations Group commander, Mission Support Group commander and  twice filled the roll of vice wing commander.

     Lyman is a decorated combat veteran, having performed more than 430 combat hours supporting Operation Southern Watch in the F-15E, and Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in the C-130H3.  While deployed, Lyman served as the Coalition Forces Coordinator in Kyrgyzstan in 2002.  A testament of his service is reflected by the numerous medals awarded, including Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, an Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Aerial Achievement Medals, an Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, an Air Force Achievement Medal along with numerous campaign medals.

     As commander of the 153rd Airlift Wing, Lyman will be responsible for eight C-130H aircraft and more than 1,200 personnel. 

     Col. David. W. Herder, vice wing commander and Chief Master Sergeant Michael D. Abbott make up the wing leadership team.