LAJES FIELD, Azores - Col. John Oliver assumed command of the 65th Mission Support Group from Col. Archibald Bruns during a change-of-command ceremony at Lajes Field, Azores, June 6.
This is Oliver’s second assignment to Lajes Field. He was stationed here from June 2005 to June 2007 as the 65th Services Squadron commander.
"When you return home, things are never quite the same, but relationships are the reason why we return home. The goodness of Lajes has brought us back," Oliver said.
This time Oliver comes to Lajes Field from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, where he served at Air Force Materiel Command as chief of the F-16 Foreign Military Sales Program, Fighters and Bombers Directorate, Aeronautical Systems Center.
Col. Jose Rivera, 65th Air Base Wing commander, presided over the ceremony.
Speaking to the 65th MSG, Rivera said, "The mission will continue and airmen will continue to be served."
Oliver commissioned in 1987 from the University of Central Florida through the Air Force ROTC Program. He’s held a myriad of positions within the Acquisition career field. He entered active duty in 1988 as the Program and Flight Test Manager, Systems Directorate, Aeronautically Systems Division at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
While commanding the 65th MSG, Bruns was responsible for enabling expeditionary forces through continuous operation of an essential en route support base for worldwide deployments of U.S. and allied forces. He directed six organizations providing security, civil engineering, personnel management, morale and welfare, communications, logistics readiness and contracting for all personnel and facilities.
He also oversaw DoD Dependent Schools, AAFES and DeCA operations.
Bruns was commissioned from the Southeast Missouri State University through the Air Force ROTC Program and entered active duty in 1988 as the Chief of Personnel Utilization at Dover AFB, Del.
“I have been tremendously blessed with the opportunity to command the 65th Mission Support Group,” Bruns said. “The men and women of the 65th MSG have been an inspiration to me as a commander and as an officer, and I know that they will continue to serve Colonel Oliver in the same fashion.”
Bruns departs the 65th ABW en route to become the A1 Director for Air Force Global Strike Command.