Members of the 51st MSG and Team Osan greeted Mantovani at a ceremony held at the Osan AB Fire Department.
U.S. Air Force Col. William Betts, 51st Fighter Wing commander, was the presiding officer at the event and provided a few words to the newly appointed commander.
"Taking command of this group is an immense responsibility, and I know Col. Kevin Mantovani is the right person for the job," said Betts. "His career boasts an impressive background in engineering, installation support and most importantly, leadership. He is tailor-made to conquer the readiness challenges here."
Montovani will now oversee the efforts of the 51st Force Support Squadron, 51st Security Forces Squadron, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron, 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron and 51st Communications Squadron.
“I believe in growing great leaders and Airmen, empowering them to do amazing things and getting out of their way,” said Mantovani. “I believe we need to seek innovative solutions to hard problems and always look for ways to deliver greater service to our Airmen and for the mission. I share Col Betts’ vision for Osan Air Base to be “THE” base people fight to come to and hate to leave.”
Prior to assuming command, Montovani was the 7th Air Force Engineering Division Chief, where he led a team that coordinated, planned and provided oversight of construction, real estate, environmental and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive materials programs across the Korean peninsula co-located at Osan AB. He said that this allowed him to lead and care for Osan Airmen, their families and provide support and defense to the combat power that protects 51 million people each day.