Photo By Jessica Kendziorek | Col. Frank L. Amodeo, 403rd Wing commander, passes the 403rd Operations Group guidon...... read more read more
Subscribe
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Lt. Col. Brian A. May assumed command of the 403rd Operations Group Aug. 6 in a traditional ceremony presided over by Col. Frank L. Amodeo, 403rd Wing commander, at the 815th Airlift Squadron auditorium.
Before the traditional passing of the guidon, Amodeo remarked about the unique mission sets of the group as well as the challenges the organization has faced in recent years, including uncertain force structure changes, closing actions of the tactical airlift mission to be followed by restoring that premiere organization. The colonel spoke of fiscal challenges and manpower reductions and most recently the addition of an aeromedical evacuation squadron and an aircraft maintenance squadron dedicated to now support the airlift mission.
“The 403rd OG is very unique because it has a special mission set, weather reconnaissance, and 20 C-130Js no other Air Force Reserve unit has,” he said.
As commander, May is responsible for all matters pertaining to the operational readiness and effectiveness of the operations group that includes 20 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, a geographically separated operational weather flight, an operations support squadron, a tactical airlift squadron, an aeromedical evacuation squadron, and the only weather reconnaissance squadron in the Department of Defense.
Amodeo said May was up to the challenge of command.
“My charge to you is to provide the tools and environment they need to succeed,” Amodeo said.
May thanked the distinguished visitors, commanders, chiefs, and all other members for attending. He then spoke about some of the main aspects of leadership he hopes to emulate.
“Leading is about supporting and trusting the squadron commanders,” said May. “While I am a commander, just know that I am here to take care of you, and if you need anything, let me know.”
May started his career as an enlisted Airman before being commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Oklahoma. May joined the Air Force Reserve in 2011, where his latest assignment was director of operations for the 95th Airlift Squadron, Pope Field, North Carolina.
As a leader, he said that he likes to leave a ‘thought for the day’ on a bulletin board for everyone to see.
He closed with this thought for the day: “Don’t forget that leadership isn’t just about the title or rank, it is about the behavior.”
| Date Taken: | 08.06.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 11.21.2016 14:24 |
| Story ID: | 215399 |
| Location: | KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISSISSIPPI, US |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, May assumes command of 403rd Operations Group, by Jessica Kendziorek, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
