Lt. Col. James Rossi took command of the 127th Air Refueling Group during a change of command ceremony at Selfridge Air National Guard Base during the December drill at the 127th Wing.
During the change of command ceremony, the guidon of the Group was passed from the former commander, Col. Stanley Krasovic, to Rossi. Krasovic is now serving as the 127th Wing vice commander.
“Lt. Col. Rossi has the qualities of a leader and leads by example, he has some big shoes to fill with this role but I know he will be a success at it.” Said Brig. Gen. John D. Slocum, commander of the 127th Wing.
Rossi most previously served as the commander of the 171st Air Refueling Squadron, the flying unit assigned to the 127th ARG. He is a command pilot in the KC-135 Stratotanker. Previously, he flew C-130 Hercules with the 127th Wing.
“I won’t let us lose sight of the mission, we will meet the challenges we face,” Rossi said.
Krasovic is also a KC-135 pilot and had previously served as both the group and squadron commander as well.
“(Col. Krasovic) have made this group what they are today and have set them up for success,” said Slocum.
Rossi said Krasovic has been a great leader and left Rossi a good team in place. Rossi said he looks forward to seeing how the Air Refueling Group does their job so well.
“Looking back, my success has less to do with me and more with my people,” Krasovic said. “I know Rossi is more than ready to lead the ARG.”
The 127th ARG is comprised of the 171st Air Refueling Squadron, 191st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 191st Maintenance Squadron and related support elements.