The 509th Bomb Wing held a Change of Command Ceremony for Colonel Keith Butler, who is retiring after 34 years of service with the Air Force.

Major General Jason Armagost presided over the ceremony, which was held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 18. During the ceremony, Colonel Butler relinquished command of the 509th Bomb Wing to Colonel Joshua Wiitala. Butler has commanded the 509th Bomb Wing since 2023.

During his speech, Butler encouraged the 509th to remain vigilant and ready if called upon.

Colonel Wiitala has served in the Air Force for 22 years, previously serving as the deputy commander of the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. After taking command, Wiitala spoke about his optimism for the future of the unit.

The Change of Command is a time-honored military tradition that symbolizes the formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another. The 509th Bomb Wing is the nation’s only B-2 Spirit stealth bomber unit and plays a vital role in national security.