Col. Ernesto DiVittorio assumes command of the 366th FW

U.S. Air Force Col. Luke Teel, 366th Fighter Wing deputy commander of operations, leads Airmen from 366th FW in their first salute to Col. Ernesto M. DiVittorio, on Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Aug. 27, 2021. As the wing commander, DiVittorio will lead 18 squadrons containing 4,200 military members and civilians, including a squadron comprised of members from the Republic of Singapore Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Akeem Campbell)

Col. Ernesto DiVittorio assumes command of the 366th FW

U.S. Air Force Col. Ernesto M. DiVittorio, 366th Fighter Wing commander gives his remarks during the assumption of command ceremony on Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Aug. 27, 2021. Despite leadership changes over several decades, the Gunfighter slogan remains the same. Ride hard, shoot straight, and always speak the truth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Akeem Campbell)

Col. Ernesto DiVittorio assumes command of the 366th FW

The family of U.S. Air Force Col. Ernesto M. DiVittorio, 366th Fighter Wing commander, receives flowers during an assumption of command ceremony on Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Aug. 27, 2021. An assumption of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Akeem Campbell)

Col. Ernesto DiVittorio assumes command of the 366th FW

The family of U.S. Air Force Col. Ernesto M. DiVittorio, 366th Fighter Wing commander, render courtesies to the national anthem during the assumption of command ceremony on Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Aug. 27, 2021. The DiVittorio family has a long lineage of military service with many members in attendance in person and online. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Akeem Campbell)

Col. Ernesto DiVittorio assumes command of the 366th FW

U.S. Air Force Airmen render a salute to Col. Ernesto M. DiVittorio, new 366th Fighter Wing commander, following the wing’s flagship aircraft rededication during his assumption of command ceremony on Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Aug. 27, 2021. An assumption of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andrea Rozoto)

Col. Ernesto DiVittorio assumes command of the 366th FW

U.S. Air Force Col. Ernesto M. DiVittorio gives his remarks during his assumption of command ceremony for the 366th Fighter Wing on Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Aug. 27, 2021. Despite leadership changes over several decades, the Gunfighter slogan remains the same. Ride hard, shoot straight, and always speak the truth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andrea Rozoto)

Col. Ernesto DiVittorio assumes command of the 366th FW

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael G. Koscheski (left), 15th Air Force commander, passes the ceremonial guidon to Col. Ernesto M. DiVittorio (right), incoming 366th Fighter Wing commander, during an assumption of command ceremony on Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Aug. 27, 2021. As the fighter wing commander, DiVittorio will lead 18 squadrons containing 4,200 military members and civilians, including a squadron comprised of members from the Republic of Singapore Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andrea Rozoto)

Col. Ernesto DiVittorio assumes command of the 366th FW Gunfighters

Published Aug. 27, 2021
By Senior Airman Akeem K. Campbell
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --

U.S. Air Force Col. Ernesto M. DiVittorio assumed command of the 366th Fighter Wing, during the assumption of command ceremony at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Aug. 27, 2021.

As the wing commander, DiVittorio takes on leadership of over 4,000 military and civilian members, known as Gunfighters. The base supports 18 squadrons, including one comprised of members from the Republic of Singapore Air Force and one tenant unit. He will also be responsible for the F-15E and F-15SG fighter aircraft that are assigned to the base.

“Our Airmen deserve great leadership and that is just what they will get with Col. Ernesto DiVittorio as he takes the reins in this amazing wing,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Koscheski, 15th Air Force Commander.

Before arriving at Mountain Home, DiVittorio was the commander of the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group in Southwest Asia, leading five squadrons that generated, executed and enabled combat air power in direct support of Central Command combat operations. Where many see deployments as rewarding assignments, DiVittorio expressed his excitement in coming to the treasure valley area to serve as Gunfighter 1.

“Growing up, I had two passions: aviation and the outdoors,” DiVittorio said. “I am truly blessed to join this community, where I am afforded one more opportunity to pursue my passions while serving our great nation.”

DiVittorio concluded his comments by adding, “Together, we will strike fear in America’s adversaries and reassure our allies and partners. GUNFIGHTERS: RIDE HARD, SHOOT STRAIGHT and ALWAYS SPEAK THE TRUTH.”