"Sir, I assume command of MXG"

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ebony Nichols
  • 917th Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AFB, La. --  917th Wing Maintenance Group members welcomed Lt. Col. Jeffrey Mullen as their new leader with a formal assumption of command ceremony on the June unit training assembly. Colonel Mullen comes to the Wing from his most recent assignment as the resources branch chief at 22d Air Force, Dobbins ARB, Ga. He joined the Reserve in 1999 as an Air Reserve Technician at Air Force Reserve Command headquarters after serving 11 years active duty. 

During the ceremony in his speech to the troops, Colonel Mullen addressed future maintenance obstacles and how he'd like to see them handled. 

"We have many hurdles facing us in the near future, and it's going to take the efforts of everyone assigned to turn those challenges into success stories," he said. "I call upon each and every member of the Maintenance Group...to take it (their section) to the next level--whatever that next level might be." 

The colonel also expressed his desire to perform his duties in the same manner he requests from his group members. 

"And my promise to you is to do everything in my power to make sure you have the proper training, equipment and resources to get your job done and support the wing's mission," he said. "Together, I have no doubt that we can achieve any goal, and make both the group and wing even better." 

During the assumption ceremony, Col. Ed Walker, 917th Wing commander, showed his faith in Colonel Mullen's capabilities. 

"He (Colonel Mullen) understands maintenance, and he has proven himself to be a thoughtful, direct leader," said Colonel Walker. 

Colonel Mullen is replacing Colonel Christopher Skomars, who served as the 917 MXG commander from Jan. 7, 2006 to Apr. 29, 2007. Colonel Skomars is now the 22nd Air Force/A4 director of Logistics at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. 

Colonel Skomars provided insight on the 917 MXG members and offered advice to their new commander. 

"MXG folks work hard, play hard, complain a little, but always get the job done well. (They have) outstanding character and teamwork," he said. "The 917 MXG is an awesome unit with great people, but stay away from the mud bugs." 

As Colonel Mullen takes the reins of an award winning group, he acknowledges the achievements of the members and their prior leader. 

"I consider it a great honor to serve as your group commander," he said. "I know my predecessor, Colonel Skomars, worked very hard to build a strong foundation in the maintenance community, and as we move on, I ask for your help in building on that foundation."