Airmen with the Vermont Air National Guard will be joined by Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, the Vermont adjutant general, to officially recognize an assumption of authority ceremony Sept. 11 for the incoming 158th Fighter Wing command chief master sergeant.

Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Stebbins will officially assume the title of command chief of the 158th Fighter Wing following the retirement of Chief Master Sgt. Darin Mauzy, who retired on August 9, 2020.

Mauzy dedicated over 25 years of honorable, selfless service to the state, the Air National Guard and the Air Force. Throughout the years Mauzy has received numerous accolades and awards. Not only did he work with the Air Force Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Team, he also worked on numerous plans and programs to solidify the Vermont Air National Guard to become the first Air Guard Base to receive the F-35A Lightning II.

This traditional military ceremony represents the formal assumption of authority as the senior enlisted Airman in the wing. Stebbins is a local resident of Colchester and has served 29 years in the Air Force. He said he is looking forward to serving in his new position as command chief for the 158th Fighter Wing.

“I am humbled and honored to serve alongside the Airmen of the world’s premier fighter wing,” said Stebbins. “Our Airmen are the finest the Air Force has to offer. I want to instill in them the sense of belonging, inclusion, and fulfillment. Our command team will work hard for each and every one of them and afford them the same opportunities that we were given.” 

Stebbins said he is ready to start serving as the wing commander’s primary adviser on operational effectiveness, professional development, readiness, training, utilization, health, morale and welfare of the over 900 enlisted Airmen of the Vermont Air National Guard. 

Col. David Shevchik Jr., commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, announced Stebbins’ selection and shared this message with members of the organization.

“Chief Stebbins brings a diverse background and skill set to this position where he most recently served as the (158th) Mission Support Group Superintendent,” said Shevchik. “He is a passionate, mission focused leader who will ensure the continued development of the most professional and ready Airmen in the Air Force.”