Wichita ? Col. Michelle Johnson has become McConnell Air Force Base’s first female commander.

Col. Ron Ladnier, who has commanded the 22nd Air Refueling Wing for a year, officially passed command to Johnson during a change of command ceremony Friday at McConnell.

Johnson entered the Air Force in 1981. She served as deputy commander of the 97th Operations Group at Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma in 1999 before being promoted to commander of the same unit in 2000.

“In Michelle we found the perfect combination of a commander and an aviator,” said Maj. Gen. John Becker, commander of the 15th Air Force.

Johnson said she was honored to command at McConnell, which she described as a showplace.

“This is a double privilege for me,” she said. “To command is a privilege. To command at the premier tanker wing in the country is an honor.”

Becker also congratulated Ladnier, who has been selected to become the commandant of the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alaska. She noted McConnell had received 68 Air Force Awards in one year.

“All accomplishments stem from a great leader,” she said.

Johnson said she was prepared to lead the wing through difficult times. But, she said, she can’t do it alone.

“We lead. Not just me. We lead,” Johnson said.

“We’re going to win the war, and while we’re at it, we’re going to win at life. So, let’s go.”