DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Maj. Eric Hinkley took command of the 943d Maintenance Squadron during a change of command ceremony here July 13.
The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that formally signifies the transfer of responsibility and authority from one commanding officer to another; symbolized through the passing of a guidon.
Hinkley enlisted in the Michigan Air National Guard in 2005. After four years as a fighter and attack crew chief, he received his commission from Officer Training School in October 2010 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. He has extensive experience with the A-10C, F-16C/D, and KC-135 aircraft. He has deployed and supported the ANG State Partnership Program in Eastern Europe and the Pacific Tanker Task Force. Before taking command of the 943rd MXS he served as the Director of Operations for the 924th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
Currently the 943d MXS is transitioning to maintaining the HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter and is in the process of obtaining new maintenance equipment and training maintainers for the upgraded airframe.
Hinkley emphasized that during the transition process, the 943d MXS will maintain a high level of readiness.
“One of my goals for the squadron is to take an aggressive stance and get ready for the future. We are going to control what we can control and we are going to be ready when Uncle Sam calls upon us,” said Hinkley.
The 943d Maintenance Squadron trains and equips multi-capable maintainers to execute combat search and rescue operations in contested environments to deny competitors and adversaries exploitation of isolated personnel. They are responsible for the combat sortie generation for sustained, tactical-level operations; full spectrum, field-level repair of the helicopter’s airframe, engine, avionics, mission-system and support equipment; and intermediate-level inspections and repairs of the helicopter airframe and major components.
The 943d Rescue Group is a geographically separated unit of the 920th Rescue Wing; located at Davis-Monthan AFB.
Date Taken: | 07.13.2024 |
Date Posted: | 08.09.2024 12:37 |
Story ID: | 476146 |
Location: | DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE , ARIZONA, US |
Web Views: | 17 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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