WEBVTT 00:01.490 --> 00:03.712 Good afternoon , ladies and gentlemen , 00:03.712 --> 00:05.434 and welcome to the fifty-fifth 00:05.434 --> 00:07.657 Maintenance Group Change of command . I 00:07.657 --> 00:09.601 am Lieutenant Renee Montage , your 00:09.601 --> 00:11.768 narrator for today's event . On behalf 00:11.768 --> 00:13.712 of our presiding officer , Colonel 00:13.712 --> 00:13.579 Aaron Gray , commander of the 00:13.579 --> 00:16.040 fifty-fifth Wing , and his wife Jessica . 00:16.969 --> 00:19.080 Today we are honoring Colonel Kenneth 00:19.080 --> 00:20.802 Fetters on the occasion of his 00:20.802 --> 00:22.913 relinquishment of command of the 55th 00:22.913 --> 00:24.858 Maintenance Group and Colonel Eric 00:24.858 --> 00:27.025 Burke upon his assumption of command . 00:27.025 --> 00:29.191 Today's ceremony is rooted in military 00:29.191 --> 00:31.413 history dating back to the 18th century 00:31.413 --> 00:33.580 during the reign of King Frederick the 00:33.580 --> 00:35.691 Great of Prussia . During this time , 00:35.691 --> 00:37.691 organizational flags were developed 00:37.691 --> 00:39.858 with colors and symbols unique to each 00:39.858 --> 00:39.849 particular unit . When the change of 00:39.849 --> 00:41.770 command took place , the outgoing 00:41.770 --> 00:43.603 commander passed the flag to the 00:43.603 --> 00:45.548 individual assuming command . This 00:45.548 --> 00:47.603 gesture was accomplished in front of 00:47.603 --> 00:49.548 the unit so that all could witness 00:49.548 --> 00:51.714 their new leader assuming the suitable 00:51.714 --> 00:53.659 position . For over 50 years , the 00:53.659 --> 00:55.770 Fighting 55th has notably contributed 00:55.770 --> 00:57.770 to our nation's military history in 00:57.770 --> 00:59.881 defense of the Constitution , gaining 00:59.881 --> 01:02.048 honor , distinction , and compiling an 01:02.048 --> 01:03.992 admirable record of achievements . 01:03.992 --> 01:06.103 Evolving from one of the many fighter 01:06.103 --> 01:08.159 groups in World War II to one of the 01:08.159 --> 01:08.080 premier intelligence , surveillance and 01:08.080 --> 01:10.639 reconnaissance , electronic attack , 01:10.959 --> 01:13.199 treaty verification , and agile combat 01:13.199 --> 01:15.366 support units supporting the President 01:15.366 --> 01:17.532 of the United States and the Secretary 01:17.532 --> 01:19.699 of War , the 55th Wing has established 01:19.699 --> 01:21.421 an admirable legacy for future 01:21.421 --> 01:23.550 generations . The formations you see 01:23.550 --> 01:25.717 represent the aircraft maintenance and 01:25.717 --> 01:27.328 maintenance squadrons of the 01:27.328 --> 01:29.550 fifty-fifth Maintenance Group . Today's 01:29.550 --> 01:31.772 ceremonial ceremonial music is provided 01:31.772 --> 01:33.717 by the Offit Brass from the United 01:33.717 --> 01:35.828 States Air Force Heartland of America 01:35.828 --> 01:37.717 Band . Again , thank you for your 01:37.717 --> 01:39.661 attendance today , and we hope you 01:39.661 --> 01:41.772 enjoyed today's ceremony , ladies and 01:41.772 --> 01:43.606 gentlemen , please stand for the 01:43.606 --> 01:45.383 arrival of the official party , 01:45.383 --> 01:47.217 presentation of the colors , the 01:47.217 --> 01:49.439 singing of the national anthem , and we 01:49.439 --> 01:51.661 ask that you please remain standing for 01:51.661 --> 01:54.110 the invocation . T . 02:31.539 --> 02:32.539 Oh . 02:41.580 --> 02:45.000 Uh Uh , 03:15.270 --> 03:17.199 Oh Oh . 03:27.529 --> 03:28.529 Who 03:36.100 --> 03:36.509 Oh so 03:41.490 --> 03:45.190 At the and 03:47.830 --> 03:48.830 true 04:00.300 --> 04:03.460 parts touched 04:15.639 --> 04:16.639 Come 04:26.549 --> 04:27.079 that 04:33.160 --> 04:34.160 does that star 04:34.160 --> 04:37.739 spangled . 05:12.220 --> 05:14.739 Oh . Colors . 05:38.000 --> 05:39.000 All right 05:42.290 --> 05:44.290 I invite you to join me in prayer . 05:46.130 --> 05:48.420 Almighty God , we thank you for this 05:48.420 --> 05:50.820 day and all that we have in it . Thank 05:50.820 --> 05:52.764 you for the opportunities that lie 05:52.764 --> 05:54.764 before us and the challenges of the 05:54.764 --> 05:57.098 past that have made us who we are today . 05:57.399 --> 05:59.621 Thank you for the leadership of Colonel 05:59.621 --> 06:01.788 Fetters and what he has contributed to 06:01.788 --> 06:03.788 the fifty-fifth Maintenance Group . 06:03.788 --> 06:05.843 Thank you for what is to come in the 06:05.843 --> 06:07.955 future from Colonel Burke . It is for 06:07.955 --> 06:09.955 these two , their families and this 06:09.955 --> 06:11.732 group that we pray and ask your 06:11.732 --> 06:13.843 blessings . Lord , may the transition 06:13.843 --> 06:15.788 be smooth . May their strength and 06:15.788 --> 06:17.839 leadership be celebrated . May they 06:17.839 --> 06:19.895 always be able to look back at their 06:19.895 --> 06:22.390 days , all of them with pride . 06:22.829 --> 06:25.162 Tomorrow's challenges will shape us all , 06:25.369 --> 06:27.369 and may we all be better because of 06:27.369 --> 06:29.369 them . These things we pray in your 06:29.369 --> 06:30.230 name . Amen . 06:38.570 --> 06:40.681 Thank you to the Lafay Air Force Base 06:40.681 --> 06:42.681 Honor Guard , Ms . Posey and Chad . 06:43.410 --> 06:45.743 Ladies and gentlemen , please be seated . 06:48.190 --> 06:50.246 We would like to welcome our special 06:50.246 --> 06:52.412 guest with us today . Ronald Matters's 06:52.412 --> 06:54.301 family . We have his wife Alina . 06:56.390 --> 06:58.612 And from Colonel Burke's family we have 06:58.612 --> 07:00.920 his wife Caitlin , his children Lila 07:00.920 --> 07:03.440 and Eli , his parents Deborah and Roger 07:03.440 --> 07:05.551 Burke , his mother-in-law , Charlotte 07:05.551 --> 07:07.607 Finley , and his father-in-law Terry 07:07.607 --> 07:08.607 Finley . 07:12.910 --> 07:14.910 In addition , we're very pleased to 07:14.910 --> 07:17.132 have numerous distinguished visitors in 07:17.132 --> 07:19.299 attendance with us today . Please hold 07:19.299 --> 07:19.269 your applause until all of the 07:19.269 --> 07:21.491 introductions have been made . We would 07:21.491 --> 07:23.670 like to recognize the Honorable Rusty 07:23.670 --> 07:25.892 Height , mayor of Bellevue , Nebraska , 07:26.029 --> 07:28.140 the Honorable Paul Lambert , mayor of 07:28.140 --> 07:29.696 Plats Mountain , Nebraska , 07:30.070 --> 07:32.292 representing the Honorable Don Beacon . 07:32.292 --> 07:34.292 Representative for Nebraska is Ms . 07:34.292 --> 07:36.514 Shannon Howard , director of outreach , 07:36.709 --> 07:38.709 Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Shal , 07:38.709 --> 07:40.320 installation Command Chief , 07:40.320 --> 07:42.899 Fifty-fifth Wing . Representing Colonel 07:43.140 --> 07:46.640 Kenneth Chilco , commander of 5557th 07:46.640 --> 07:48.751 Weather Wing , is Colonel Christopher 07:49.160 --> 07:51.216 Wireman , commander of Bruce Weather 07:51.216 --> 07:53.679 Group , Colonel John Zaco , commander 07:53.679 --> 07:56.149 of 55th Operations Group , Colonel 07:56.149 --> 07:58.630 Rachel Fristro , commander of 55th 07:58.630 --> 08:00.720 Communications Group , Chief Master 08:00.720 --> 08:02.664 Sergeant Daniel Rodriguez , senior 08:02.664 --> 08:04.776 enlisted leader , 55th Communications 08:04.776 --> 08:07.709 Group . Colonel Brady Altman , 08:07.869 --> 08:09.925 Commander , 20th Maintenance Group , 08:09.989 --> 08:12.290 Shaw Air Force Base , South Carolina . 08:12.700 --> 08:14.700 Colonel Brian Hassler , commander , 08:14.700 --> 08:16.811 95th Maintenance Group . Chief Master 08:16.811 --> 08:18.869 Sergeant Justin Nachman , senior 08:18.869 --> 08:21.202 enlisted Leader , 95th Maintenance Crew . 08:21.429 --> 08:23.485 Colonel Wendy Squashha , commander , 08:23.485 --> 08:26.170 178 Group , Nebraska Air National Guard . 08:26.790 --> 08:29.019 Colonel Darlene Sanders , United States 08:29.019 --> 08:31.019 Air Force retired , and her husband 08:31.019 --> 08:33.241 Michael Sanders . Chief Master Sergeant 08:33.241 --> 08:35.241 Joe Hicks , Aircraft Systems career 08:35.241 --> 08:37.648 Field Manager . Chief Master Sergeant 08:37.648 --> 08:39.815 Butch McCarty , aircraft maintenance , 08:39.815 --> 08:41.979 career field manager . Lieutenant 08:41.979 --> 08:44.090 Colonel John Casey , Chief of Staff , 08:44.090 --> 08:46.299 fifty-fifth Bank , and Ms Kathy 08:46.299 --> 08:48.466 Williams representing the OPI Advisory 08:48.466 --> 08:51.640 Council . We would also like to extend 08:51.640 --> 08:53.340 a warm welcome to all former 08:53.340 --> 08:55.173 fifty-fifth Wing and Deputy Wing 08:55.173 --> 08:57.299 Commanders , former command chiefs , 08:57.419 --> 08:59.530 active and retired group and squadron 08:59.530 --> 09:02.219 commanders , chiefs , first sergeants , 09:02.340 --> 09:03.951 the Offit Advisory Council , 09:04.340 --> 09:06.619 Fifty-fifth Wing Association , friends 09:06.619 --> 09:08.780 and family , and the men and women of 09:08.780 --> 09:10.947 Team Offit that are joining us today . 09:17.460 --> 09:19.627 It is an honor to introduce to you our 09:19.627 --> 09:21.904 presiding officer , Colonel Aaron Gray , 09:21.904 --> 09:23.293 commander of 50th Wing . 09:35.159 --> 09:37.270 Thank you and good morning everyone . 09:37.359 --> 09:40.299 First of all , uh , I guess , you know , 09:40.559 --> 09:42.615 I'm used to being at a baseball game 09:42.615 --> 09:44.837 when the national anthem is up and then 09:44.837 --> 09:46.615 everyone getting real rowdy and 09:46.615 --> 09:48.799 applauding and , you know , uh , I 09:48.799 --> 09:51.679 wanted to do that , uh , I suppose he's 09:51.679 --> 09:53.623 rendition of the national anthem . 09:54.270 --> 09:56.603 Reminded me a little bit of Sarah Evans . 09:56.603 --> 09:58.603 I was getting some Sarah Evans vibe 09:58.603 --> 10:00.909 there . Uh , not Medro Sarah Evans , 10:00.919 --> 10:03.799 but the country , uh , singer Sarah 10:03.799 --> 10:05.919 Evans . So very , very well done . 10:06.000 --> 10:08.239 Thank you . It's an honor to be here 10:08.239 --> 10:11.719 today as we say aloha . 10:12.809 --> 10:15.142 To Colonel Fetters and his wife , Alina . 10:15.369 --> 10:17.369 And to pass the guide on to Colonel 10:17.369 --> 10:19.090 Burke . How does that sound ? 10:22.229 --> 10:26.159 And his family Before we begin , I 10:26.159 --> 10:28.381 want to express my sincere appreciation 10:28.381 --> 10:30.437 to Airman Finn , Lieutenant Vivier , 10:30.437 --> 10:32.659 for leading the team who put this event 10:32.659 --> 10:34.326 together , and our narrator , 10:34.326 --> 10:37.659 Lieutenant Montaz . Nice job so far . 10:44.789 --> 10:46.845 Welcome to each of our distinguished 10:46.845 --> 10:49.659 guests . Mayor Hike , Mayor Lambert , 10:49.789 --> 10:52.510 thank you for being here . Mrs . Howard , 10:52.710 --> 10:54.877 thank you and great to see you again . 10:57.030 --> 10:59.030 Mr . Hawkins , honorary commander , 10:59.390 --> 11:01.609 where are you at ? There he is . 11:05.090 --> 11:07.201 This is Kathy Williams from the OAC . 11:07.201 --> 11:09.890 Hello . And also one of our ACC COMA , 11:10.520 --> 11:12.719 uh , civilian leaders . It's always a 11:12.719 --> 11:16.190 pleasure to see both of you . Colonels , 11:16.809 --> 11:18.865 chiefs , don't be offended . I'm not 11:18.865 --> 11:21.760 gonna say all your names . Eric's 11:21.760 --> 11:25.440 mentors , Colonel Sanders . And 11:25.440 --> 11:27.384 Weisner , thank you for making the 11:27.384 --> 11:28.384 journey here . 11:30.809 --> 11:33.650 Welcome to Eric's family , Caitlin . 11:35.010 --> 11:38.619 Lila and Eli . Future maintainer . 11:40.119 --> 11:42.286 If you got the eyesight , you should . 11:42.950 --> 11:45.719 Try . Try flying . 11:53.890 --> 11:57.419 Welcome to The Burkes and to 11:59.179 --> 12:00.239 Your in-laws . 12:03.200 --> 12:07.190 Eric . Is the pride of West Tennessee , 12:07.770 --> 12:11.549 Paris , Tennessee . I'm only 12:11.549 --> 12:14.010 somewhat familiar with the state . I've 12:14.010 --> 12:17.260 been to Knoxville Saw a game there . It 12:17.260 --> 12:20.809 was great . But the more I learn about 12:20.809 --> 12:23.169 your state , especially people like you , 12:25.039 --> 12:27.159 The more I like it , especially since 12:27.159 --> 12:28.992 you got the first in and out out 12:28.992 --> 12:30.215 outside of the West . 12:34.549 --> 12:36.660 Wanted to welcome Eric , you and your 12:36.660 --> 12:38.605 family to the row as well . It's a 12:38.605 --> 12:40.771 special and unique , uh , family to be 12:40.771 --> 12:42.938 a part of , and I hope you enjoy being 12:42.938 --> 12:46.820 neighbors with , with all of us . To 12:47.200 --> 12:51.169 Alina . You have been such a wonderful 12:51.169 --> 12:53.225 neighbor and comforting friend to so 12:53.225 --> 12:55.690 many . You are very talented in many 12:55.690 --> 12:57.929 ways , including making all kinds of 12:57.929 --> 13:00.710 shapes out of tools . 13:03.469 --> 13:05.691 You dove in and gave your whole self to 13:05.691 --> 13:07.913 supporting Ken and the men and women of 13:07.913 --> 13:10.136 the maintenance group . Thank you . And 13:10.136 --> 13:12.469 though we're not supposed to be jealous , 13:12.469 --> 13:15.469 Jessica and I are very jealous . You 13:15.469 --> 13:19.090 get to live in Hawaii . To the 13:19.090 --> 13:21.312 absolutely outstanding men and women of 13:21.312 --> 13:23.479 the fifty-fifth Maintenance Crew , how 13:23.479 --> 13:27.380 does it feel ? To be a key part 13:28.200 --> 13:30.367 of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force 13:30.799 --> 13:34.260 and To a lesser extent , the wing 13:34.260 --> 13:36.640 commander's number one priority . 13:38.679 --> 13:41.239 Keep pushing through challenges . Keep 13:41.239 --> 13:44.840 following the TO . We need you , and I 13:44.840 --> 13:47.940 will say , I admire how you do your job . 13:48.479 --> 13:50.760 Keep it up . You're all doing great . 13:51.849 --> 13:54.989 You are relentless and ready in fixing 13:55.049 --> 13:57.369 our very special fleet of airplanes so 13:57.369 --> 14:00.090 we can fly all around the world to 14:00.090 --> 14:02.201 provide decision quality intelligence 14:02.201 --> 14:06.190 to the combat commanders . I wanted to 14:06.190 --> 14:08.369 take a minute and recognize the fact 14:08.369 --> 14:12.010 that And , you know , obviously , we're 14:12.289 --> 14:14.650 seated here below the American flag . 14:17.059 --> 14:19.909 As we pass the guide on today , let's 14:19.909 --> 14:22.390 not forget also why we serve . 14:23.940 --> 14:25.884 We each have different reasons for 14:25.884 --> 14:28.380 serving . But one reason I believe we 14:28.380 --> 14:30.380 all share is because of our love of 14:30.380 --> 14:33.630 country . We are lucky . 14:35.169 --> 14:37.440 According to GenAI.mil , 14:39.489 --> 14:42.849 of the 117 billion people who've ever 14:42.849 --> 14:45.500 lived on the Earth , We are part of the 14:45.500 --> 14:48.580 less than 10 billion or 8% of humans 14:48.580 --> 14:51.489 who've ever lived . Under a system 14:52.070 --> 14:54.849 where the government derives its power 14:55.309 --> 14:57.365 from the consent of the government . 14:58.419 --> 15:01.260 Less than 8% of humankind has ever 15:01.260 --> 15:02.260 lived . 15:06.590 --> 15:09.119 Where our rights are ours and the 15:09.119 --> 15:11.890 government Comes from us . 15:13.770 --> 15:16.419 For more than 99% of human history , 15:16.729 --> 15:18.951 the concept of the people as the source 15:18.951 --> 15:22.030 of political legitimacy did not exist . 15:22.450 --> 15:26.190 99% of human history . How lucky are 15:26.190 --> 15:28.549 we ? And we get to defend it 15:31.289 --> 15:34.090 I'm grateful to live today and to serve 15:34.090 --> 15:36.289 with each of you to support and defend 15:36.289 --> 15:38.400 the Constitution of the United States 15:38.400 --> 15:40.289 against all enemies , foreign and 15:40.289 --> 15:43.900 domestic . Now , Ken , Chief Small told 15:43.900 --> 15:46.979 me something this morning . About you , 15:47.200 --> 15:49.311 that is one of the best compliments I 15:49.311 --> 15:52.229 can think of . He said , when I think 15:52.229 --> 15:55.229 of a colonel , I think of Colonel 15:55.229 --> 15:59.219 Fetters . I've been 15:59.219 --> 16:01.441 thinking about a lot in the past couple 16:01.441 --> 16:03.669 of weeks about how you led this 16:03.669 --> 16:05.613 maintenance group to such historic 16:05.613 --> 16:09.140 firsts . It's hard to put my finger on 16:09.140 --> 16:11.619 it , but I've got a few words I'm gonna 16:11.619 --> 16:12.786 try to describe it . 16:17.559 --> 16:21.400 You are mature , seasoned . Incredibly 16:21.400 --> 16:24.270 well informed , calm , respectful , 16:24.609 --> 16:28.380 focused . And as we like to say 16:28.380 --> 16:31.169 today , You've had this whole thing on 16:31.169 --> 16:35.020 lock for 2 years . I'm grateful 16:35.020 --> 16:37.409 to have been able to serve with you . I 16:37.409 --> 16:39.465 say this having been associated with 16:39.465 --> 16:41.840 the wing for over 20 years now , no one 16:42.090 --> 16:43.701 has done a better job as the 16:43.701 --> 16:45.923 fifty-fifth Maintenance Group commander 16:45.923 --> 16:48.530 than you did . I'm not gonna list all 16:48.530 --> 16:50.474 your accomplishments because we're 16:50.474 --> 16:52.474 about to hear them in the Legion of 16:52.474 --> 16:55.859 Merit . But let me , let me add some 16:55.859 --> 16:59.280 context . You fixed aircraft 16:59.859 --> 17:02.880 so they can safely fly . From , get 17:02.880 --> 17:05.280 this , 10 different locations around 17:05.280 --> 17:08.239 the world . J Bear , DM 17:08.550 --> 17:12.280 Nellis , Offin , Homestead , Mildenhall , 17:12.449 --> 17:14.959 Suda . The deed 17:15.939 --> 17:18.260 Adelaide , a place it's never been , 17:18.300 --> 17:21.010 we've never been before . And Kadina , 17:21.209 --> 17:24.619 among others . And you surpassed ACC's 17:24.619 --> 17:26.859 mission capable rate . You generated 17:26.859 --> 17:29.819 aircraft readiness to the point where 17:29.819 --> 17:32.140 CMA doesn't even think about us . 17:35.859 --> 17:38.081 And I mean that in a good way , y'all . 17:39.660 --> 17:42.819 He doesn't have to put any thought into 17:42.819 --> 17:46.540 how to fix the RC-135 fleet because you 17:46.540 --> 17:47.651 all do it for him . 17:54.290 --> 17:56.849 He has complete confidence that the 17:56.849 --> 17:58.969 RC-135 fleet is going to meet the 17:58.969 --> 18:01.136 demand . How do I know ? Cause he told 18:01.136 --> 18:03.247 me when I was sitting in his office . 18:03.939 --> 18:05.883 And that's because , Ken , of your 18:05.883 --> 18:07.859 leadership . From the bottom of my 18:07.859 --> 18:08.989 heart , thank you . 18:11.859 --> 18:15.339 Colonel Burke , Eric , welcome . 18:16.310 --> 18:20.170 You were handpicked to replace Ken . By 18:20.170 --> 18:20.750 me 18:26.290 --> 18:28.729 But in case you think I'm bragging 18:28.729 --> 18:32.599 about myself . It really 18:32.599 --> 18:34.655 didn't take much effort to spot your 18:34.655 --> 18:38.589 talent . You don't know this , but I've 18:38.589 --> 18:40.811 talked to both Chili and KT about you . 18:42.329 --> 18:44.496 In case you don't know , those are the 18:44.496 --> 18:46.718 two previous wing commanders . And when 18:46.718 --> 18:48.890 they found out that we got you , They 18:48.890 --> 18:52.170 were both stoked and immediately gave 18:52.170 --> 18:54.209 me their endorsement for you . 18:57.089 --> 18:59.569 Picking you was easy . Your experience 18:59.569 --> 19:02.449 and talent and all the things on the 19:02.449 --> 19:05.250 inside that make you , you . 19:05.989 --> 19:08.349 Is exactly what this group needs right 19:08.349 --> 19:11.349 now to continue its historic run . 19:12.939 --> 19:15.390 As you know , you are inheriting an 19:15.390 --> 19:17.612 organization running on all cylinders , 19:17.612 --> 19:20.859 and I'll say , General Hensley gave me 19:20.859 --> 19:23.270 my feedback , uh , back in January , 19:23.369 --> 19:25.369 and he told me , he said , you know 19:25.369 --> 19:27.425 what , I think you're doing a pretty 19:27.425 --> 19:29.591 good job . And Aaron , you would be my 19:29.591 --> 19:32.650 top wing commander , except You haven't 19:32.650 --> 19:34.761 had to do much because Chile gave you 19:34.761 --> 19:36.979 an already great wing to work with . 19:38.410 --> 19:40.521 You just show up every day and things 19:40.521 --> 19:42.459 go well . Same for you . 19:44.609 --> 19:46.720 So I guess for both of us , let's not 19:46.720 --> 19:47.942 screw it up , right ? 19:52.900 --> 19:54.900 You're inheriting this organization 19:54.900 --> 19:56.956 running on all cylinders , optimized 19:56.956 --> 19:59.180 and ready to rock . You will have 19:59.180 --> 20:03.150 challenges to overcome . A big 20:03.150 --> 20:05.150 job to do with fewer resources than 20:05.150 --> 20:08.140 you'd probably want . And you can only 20:08.140 --> 20:10.640 succeed if you inspire each maintainer , 20:11.180 --> 20:13.069 every single one , to reach their 20:13.069 --> 20:16.790 highest potential . Focus on TO 20:16.790 --> 20:19.390 compliance , and as you said earlier 20:19.390 --> 20:23.270 today , getting to yes . We're 20:23.270 --> 20:25.381 grateful for you and your family that 20:25.381 --> 20:28.390 you chose to continue to serve . This 20:28.390 --> 20:30.630 is a huge job , and I know that you are 20:30.630 --> 20:32.686 the right person at the right time . 20:34.339 --> 20:36.395 Thank you in advance for all you and 20:36.395 --> 20:38.617 your team are going to do to make these 20:38.617 --> 20:42.339 planes fly safely . Eric . Think 20:42.339 --> 20:45.750 big . And let's get to work . Let's do 20:45.750 --> 20:47.528 the change of command , y'all . 20:57.959 --> 21:00.015 Thank you , Colonel Gray , and let's 21:00.015 --> 21:02.292 give one more round of applause for Ms . 21:02.292 --> 21:04.181 Posey , our band , and all of our 21:04.181 --> 21:03.560 distinguished . 21:09.739 --> 21:11.739 Gentlemen , please stand as Colonel 21:11.739 --> 21:13.906 Gray presents Colonel Fetters with the 21:13.906 --> 21:14.906 Legion of Merit . 21:18.969 --> 21:22.880 Squadron . And How was work ? 21:24.369 --> 21:26.702 Attention to orders . Colonel Kenneth H . 21:26.702 --> 21:28.536 Fetters distinguished himself by 21:28.536 --> 21:30.900 exceptionally meritorious conduct , the 21:30.900 --> 21:33.011 performance of outstanding service to 21:33.011 --> 21:35.122 the United States as Commander , 55th 21:35.122 --> 21:37.390 Maintenance , 55th Wing , Pompey Air 21:37.390 --> 21:39.880 Force Base , Nebraska , from 27 June 21:40.260 --> 21:44.060 2024 to 1 May 2026 . During this 21:44.060 --> 21:45.893 period , the exemplary ability , 21:45.893 --> 21:47.893 diligence , and devotion to duty of 21:47.893 --> 21:49.671 Colonel Fetters was critical in 21:49.671 --> 21:52.004 providing intelligence , reconnaissance , 21:52.004 --> 21:53.949 and surveillance capabilities . In 21:53.949 --> 21:56.004 support of our nation's objectives . 21:56.589 --> 22:00.589 1200 personnel 27 RC 135 and 22:00.589 --> 22:02.349 4 E4B dying . 22:05.050 --> 22:07.050 He masterfully directed a demanding 22:07.050 --> 22:09.369 130,000 hour flying program exceeding 22:09.369 --> 22:12.770 planned hours by 657 while managing a 22:12.770 --> 22:16.280 $25 million annual budget . Strategic 22:16.280 --> 22:18.520 oversight was pivotal in navigating 28 22:18.520 --> 22:21.109 global movements through a 250% surge 22:21.599 --> 22:23.599 in headquarters testing and 13 22:23.599 --> 22:25.543 concurrent deployments . Under his 22:25.543 --> 22:27.432 superlative leadership , the 55th 22:27.432 --> 22:29.655 Maintenance Group exceeded requirements 22:29.655 --> 22:31.655 for 11 consecutive months . The new 22:31.655 --> 22:34.430 readiness . Earning the distinct 22:34.430 --> 22:36.541 recognition from Comac , who stated , 22:36.541 --> 22:38.374 this is what Wright looks like . 22:38.374 --> 22:40.430 Finally , Colonel Feder's leadership 22:40.430 --> 22:43.619 asploited fighter . assessment training 22:43.619 --> 22:45.619 team is strong , was pivotal in the 22:45.619 --> 22:47.786 wake of receiving the highest grades , 22:47.786 --> 22:50.008 the foundational readiness inspection , 22:50.008 --> 22:52.175 and the combat readiness inspection of 22:52.175 --> 22:54.008 highly effective and valid yes , 22:54.008 --> 22:56.286 respectively . The superior initiative , 22:56.459 --> 22:59.689 outstanding leadership . Displayed by 22:59.689 --> 23:01.800 Colonel Federick reflect great credit 23:01.800 --> 23:03.967 upon himself and the United States Air 23:03.967 --> 23:03.739 Force . 23:28.530 --> 23:30.900 Thank you . Ladies and gentlemen , 23:31.099 --> 23:33.321 please take your seats . It is my honor 23:33.321 --> 23:35.488 to present to you the commander of the 23:35.488 --> 23:35.180 fifty-fifth Baer , Colonel Kenneth 23:35.180 --> 23:36.180 Hithers . 23:47.229 --> 23:48.229 Good afternoon . 23:53.199 --> 23:55.839 Helena , Sorry , Jessica , I should 23:55.839 --> 23:57.839 have said Jessica first . Jessica , 23:57.839 --> 24:00.660 Elena , Caitlin . Eric's family , 24:01.060 --> 24:03.116 Caitlin's family , thank you so much 24:03.116 --> 24:07.030 for being here today . hi . Mrs . 24:07.180 --> 24:10.619 Howard , Chief Small . My fellow group 24:10.619 --> 24:12.786 commanders , squadron commanders , and 24:12.786 --> 24:14.897 chiefs , thank you all for being here 24:14.897 --> 24:18.709 today . A special thanks to , to , 24:18.719 --> 24:20.830 uh , Chris Hawkins , our new honorary 24:20.830 --> 24:22.886 commander . I'm so glad that you can 24:22.886 --> 24:23.997 make it out today . 24:28.359 --> 24:30.526 I definitely want to thank the men and 24:30.526 --> 24:32.581 women of the fifty-fifth Maintenance 24:32.581 --> 24:34.581 Crew for being here . Thank you for 24:34.581 --> 24:36.581 volunteering for the formation . It 24:36.581 --> 24:38.748 looks absolutely wonderful . Hopefully 24:38.748 --> 24:40.915 the Facebook is working , so I want to 24:40.915 --> 24:43.137 acknowledge my two daughters , Michaela 24:43.137 --> 24:45.303 and Marissa . I , I hope that they can 24:45.303 --> 24:47.760 hear me or see me and also , uh , my 24:47.760 --> 24:50.439 two aunts , Peggy and Seth , who tried 24:50.439 --> 24:52.606 real hard to get here at the change of 24:52.606 --> 24:54.606 command the first time , but United 24:54.606 --> 24:57.239 Airlines let them down . I also want to 24:57.239 --> 24:59.295 acknowledge those in the family that 24:59.295 --> 25:02.229 can't be here today . My mom , my 25:02.229 --> 25:04.550 sister Darla , and my dad , and also my 25:04.550 --> 25:07.060 brother-in-law , Kevin . I know they 25:07.060 --> 25:09.227 would have tried to make it out here . 25:09.227 --> 25:11.227 Even better still , they would have 25:11.227 --> 25:13.393 definitely tried to make it out to our 25:13.393 --> 25:15.800 next command line . Thanks to 25:15.800 --> 25:18.199 Lieutenant Vivier , Airman Finn , 25:18.280 --> 25:21.560 Lieutenant Montage , Sergeant Woods for 25:21.560 --> 25:24.310 setting up this change of command . Uh , 25:24.719 --> 25:26.941 sometimes they seem like they go smooth 25:26.941 --> 25:29.052 from the audience , but there's a lot 25:29.052 --> 25:31.219 of work that goes into it to make that 25:31.219 --> 25:33.959 happen . Also , Mrs . Posey . 25:35.359 --> 25:37.415 She's still here . Thank you so much 25:37.415 --> 25:39.459 for the rendition of the national 25:39.459 --> 25:43.439 anthem . Uh , I agree with Colonel Gray . 25:43.560 --> 25:45.782 I heard a little Sarah Evans in there . 25:45.782 --> 25:47.004 Oh , there goes one . 25:50.089 --> 25:52.311 Chaplain Parity , thank you so much for 25:52.311 --> 25:54.367 the invitation and thank you for the 25:54.367 --> 25:56.589 work and , and just the dear heart that 25:56.589 --> 25:58.700 you poured into the maintenance group 25:58.700 --> 25:58.689 over this last couple of years . We did 25:58.689 --> 26:00.800 have some tragedies , and I thank you 26:00.800 --> 26:04.239 for your support . Colonel Gray , 26:04.689 --> 26:06.800 thank you for the opportunity to lead 26:06.800 --> 26:08.890 the fifty-fifth meeting . This is by 26:08.890 --> 26:11.170 far the best maintenance group I've 26:11.170 --> 26:13.520 ever been a part of . I put some 26:13.520 --> 26:16.040 thought into that , into why it might 26:16.040 --> 26:18.790 be , and I came to the conclusion . It 26:18.790 --> 26:20.846 had to be because of the commander . 26:21.760 --> 26:23.871 I'm glad I got a couple of laughs out 26:23.871 --> 26:27.079 of that . No , it's not because of me , 26:27.189 --> 26:29.719 it's because of the men and women that 26:29.719 --> 26:31.886 proudly serve this maintenance group . 26:32.640 --> 26:34.473 As a maintenance officer , every 26:34.473 --> 26:36.807 assignment is characterized by 3 things . 26:37.449 --> 26:39.489 The people , the aircraft , and the 26:39.489 --> 26:42.839 local area . It is rare when all three 26:42.839 --> 26:45.010 of these characteristics combined in 26:45.010 --> 26:46.899 such a way as they do here at A . 26:49.099 --> 26:51.321 We never thought we'd ever be stationed 26:51.321 --> 26:53.680 here . Throughout my career , I never 26:53.900 --> 26:56.819 have even been remotely associated with 26:56.819 --> 26:59.599 the RC 135 , and I always thought that 26:59.599 --> 27:03.520 Bitt was just that stratcom base . I 27:03.520 --> 27:05.742 suppose it was meant to be as our first 27:05.839 --> 27:08.579 trip here to scope out the base before 27:08.880 --> 27:11.160 I accepted the assignment . We went 27:11.160 --> 27:14.010 through the Kenny G . That's what my 27:14.010 --> 27:16.232 mom used to call me when I was little . 27:16.232 --> 27:18.232 Matter of fact , even when I was an 27:18.232 --> 27:20.719 adult , she called me . And one of us 27:20.719 --> 27:24.640 was 55 when we arrived . And the other 27:24.640 --> 27:27.790 turned 55 as we're leaving . I'm gonna 27:27.790 --> 27:29.512 let you decide who was first . 27:33.329 --> 27:35.273 When I took command , I said I was 27:35.273 --> 27:37.329 looking forward to the blessings and 27:37.329 --> 27:39.551 new friendship God had for us living in 27:39.551 --> 27:41.773 Omaha and being part of the 55th . This 27:41.773 --> 27:43.551 has been a great tour , and I'm 27:43.551 --> 27:45.551 thankful God has blessed in so many 27:45.551 --> 27:47.520 ways over the last two years . He 27:47.520 --> 27:49.409 always knows what we need and has 27:49.409 --> 27:51.576 guided all of our assignments . He has 27:51.576 --> 27:53.798 given us the knowledge , strength , and 27:53.798 --> 27:56.020 drive we need at the precise time . Any 27:56.020 --> 27:58.242 accolades from this assignment all goes 27:58.242 --> 28:00.020 to him and his faithfulness and 28:00.020 --> 28:02.353 goodness he has blessed our family with , 28:02.353 --> 28:04.464 for without him I can do nothing . He 28:04.464 --> 28:06.631 is also blessed with getting to know a 28:06.631 --> 28:08.687 tremendous amount of people . Offutt 28:08.687 --> 28:11.469 has a unique mission and a huge support 28:11.469 --> 28:13.609 structure . The community support for 28:13.609 --> 28:16.589 Offutt is outstanding . The Of Advisory 28:16.589 --> 28:18.422 Council has a committed heart to 28:18.422 --> 28:20.689 helping , encouraging , and supporting 28:20.869 --> 28:23.036 each individual airman assigned here . 28:23.719 --> 28:25.880 It was a true blessing to get to know 28:25.880 --> 28:28.500 so many of you . Many of you were 28:28.500 --> 28:30.667 actively engaged in off its mission on 28:30.667 --> 28:32.739 active duty and then continued to 28:32.739 --> 28:34.517 support your successors through 28:34.517 --> 28:36.780 volunteerism . Outstanding support . 28:38.079 --> 28:41.420 What a busy two years . The RC is 28:41.420 --> 28:43.642 definitely a hot commodity with respect 28:43.642 --> 28:45.698 to national defense and very popular 28:45.698 --> 28:47.753 with combatant commanders due to its 28:47.753 --> 28:49.920 vast mission capability and ability to 28:49.920 --> 28:51.969 adapt . The 55th maintainers are 28:51.969 --> 28:53.810 absolutely steadfast in quality 28:53.810 --> 28:55.977 maintenance production . Over the last 28:55.977 --> 28:58.250 two years , they supported Operation 28:58.250 --> 29:01.010 Southern Spear , Absolute Resolve , and 29:01.010 --> 29:04.410 Epic Fury , while also producing 133 29:04.410 --> 29:06.299 higher headquarters missions from 29:06.299 --> 29:09.670 Walton . Job well done . I tell every 29:09.670 --> 29:11.892 new maintainer that our primary mission 29:11.892 --> 29:14.059 in the maintenance group is to live up 29:14.059 --> 29:15.892 to our commitment to provide the 29:15.892 --> 29:17.837 operations group a safe , reliable 29:17.837 --> 29:19.726 aircraft to execute our Flying Ar 29:19.726 --> 29:21.948 program . That is maintenance's pledged 29:21.948 --> 29:24.170 at the beginning of every fiscal year . 29:24.170 --> 29:26.503 And despite all the real-world taskings , 29:26.503 --> 29:28.726 the maintenance group accomplished that 29:28.726 --> 29:30.781 by meeting our Flying Ar program for 29:30.781 --> 29:32.989 FYI 24 , 25 and is on track for 27 . 29:34.359 --> 29:36.415 26 , sorry , I got ahead of myself . 29:38.939 --> 29:41.161 While aircraft availability and mission 29:41.161 --> 29:43.106 capability rates play some part in 29:43.106 --> 29:44.717 meeting flying hours because 29:44.717 --> 29:46.550 theoretically you could have 50% 29:46.550 --> 29:48.772 mission capable and flying the other 12 29:48.772 --> 29:50.939 hours a day and still meet your , your 29:50.939 --> 29:52.995 flying out program . Our maintainers 29:52.995 --> 29:55.217 sustained 75% mission capable rate over 29:55.217 --> 29:57.339 the last two years , even achieving a 29:57.339 --> 29:59.819 100% mission capable rate for extended 29:59.819 --> 30:02.579 periods , something I have never seen 30:02.699 --> 30:05.060 in my career . And currently , our 30:05.060 --> 30:06.893 deployed maintainers continue to 30:06.893 --> 30:08.893 produce sorties at an unprecedented 30:08.893 --> 30:11.250 rate in support of Operation Epic Fury . 30:11.859 --> 30:15.099 You have a lot to be proud of . A 30:15.099 --> 30:16.932 special thanks to the production 30:16.932 --> 30:18.988 section who balanced the flying hour 30:18.988 --> 30:20.655 program , tail swaps , higher 30:20.655 --> 30:22.543 headquarters tasking , while also 30:22.543 --> 30:24.821 taking care of the health of the fleet . 30:24.821 --> 30:26.543 Excellent job in maintaining 5 30:26.543 --> 30:28.432 different aircraft types , not to 30:28.432 --> 30:30.432 mention the different modifications 30:30.432 --> 30:32.655 within the type . It's a tough task and 30:32.655 --> 30:35.760 you've made it look effortless . I 30:35.760 --> 30:37.982 believe it is the people you serve with 30:37.982 --> 30:39.927 that contribute most to whether an 30:39.927 --> 30:42.149 assignment is a good memory or one that 30:42.149 --> 30:44.204 you just wanted it to be over . This 30:44.204 --> 30:46.427 assignment , I was blessed to be around 30:46.427 --> 30:48.593 great leaders in MHG . I'm so thankful 30:48.593 --> 30:51.640 for our squadron commanders . And 30:51.640 --> 30:53.696 senior enlisted . Lieutenant Colonel 30:53.696 --> 30:55.959 Wyler , Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong , 30:56.160 --> 30:58.479 Chief Downs , and Chief Woods , thank 30:58.479 --> 31:01.170 you for your commitment to our airmen 31:01.719 --> 31:03.775 and leading with honor and purpose . 31:03.839 --> 31:06.061 You made my job much easier and allowed 31:06.061 --> 31:07.783 me to focus on fine tuning our 31:07.783 --> 31:09.728 maintenance practices by having to 31:09.728 --> 31:13.510 implement full course redirects . I 31:13.510 --> 31:15.677 couldn't have asked for a better front 31:15.677 --> 31:18.119 office . It's funny I wrote Lieutenant 31:18.119 --> 31:20.175 Colonel Burke in here . I , I didn't 31:20.175 --> 31:22.230 realize it was in the afternoon . So 31:22.290 --> 31:24.234 Colonel Burke , Lieutenant Colonel 31:24.234 --> 31:27.359 Carrier , Chief Lewandowski , and now 31:27.359 --> 31:31.060 Chief Brown and Mr . Tuttle . It is 31:31.060 --> 31:33.290 always a blessing to have people with 31:33.290 --> 31:35.123 experience to be able to discuss 31:35.123 --> 31:37.123 different approaches to maintenance 31:37.123 --> 31:39.012 issues and to know when to adjust 31:39.012 --> 31:41.346 direction . I'll miss our conversations . 31:41.479 --> 31:43.479 You haven't enriched my maintenance 31:43.479 --> 31:46.869 knowledge greatly . Captain Stevens and 31:46.869 --> 31:50.520 Senior McMinn . You came in and rescued 31:50.520 --> 31:53.119 the front office when it was in a dire 31:53.439 --> 31:55.959 down spot . Thank you so much for that . 31:56.040 --> 31:58.096 You took a lot of stress off of me , 31:58.319 --> 32:00.430 and if you don't believe me , you can 32:00.430 --> 32:01.430 go asking me . 32:10.150 --> 32:12.206 The wing leadership , Colonel Gray , 32:12.839 --> 32:15.006 both you and Colonel Howard trusted in 32:15.006 --> 32:16.672 my leadership and listened to 32:16.672 --> 32:18.895 everything I have to say with a sincere 32:18.895 --> 32:21.006 desire to understand my point of view 32:21.006 --> 32:22.895 before you made a decision . That 32:22.895 --> 32:25.006 enabled me to lead , knowing that you 32:25.006 --> 32:27.172 had my back . Thank you . That means a 32:27.172 --> 32:29.283 tremendous amount . Thank you so much 32:29.283 --> 32:31.228 for the kind words that you said . 32:31.228 --> 32:33.283 Those folks standing right there are 32:33.283 --> 32:35.395 the driving force behind it , it gets 32:35.395 --> 32:37.450 that in the air each and every day . 32:37.630 --> 32:39.741 Fellow group commanders , thank you . 32:40.790 --> 32:42.989 It makes the mission so much easier 32:42.989 --> 32:45.211 when we're not just co-commanders , but 32:45.211 --> 32:48.010 people we consider friends . The ops 32:48.010 --> 32:50.066 maintenance relationship has a large 32:50.066 --> 32:52.288 influence on how the wing performed its 32:52.288 --> 32:53.732 mission . Colonel Zacco . 32:56.150 --> 32:58.317 I know our ability to talk through any 32:58.317 --> 33:00.261 issue greatly enhanced our mission 33:00.261 --> 33:02.372 capability . I'm very blessed to have 33:02.372 --> 33:04.594 served with you this tour . Godspeed on 33:04.594 --> 33:06.928 your next chapter . Colonel Free Street . 33:09.619 --> 33:11.841 Thanks for always finding a way to make 33:11.841 --> 33:13.730 me smile , because sometimes it's 33:13.730 --> 33:16.250 really hard . I always felt energized 33:16.250 --> 33:19.010 after our conversations . Thanks to 33:19.010 --> 33:20.899 your airmen for ensuring our comm 33:20.899 --> 33:23.880 systems are ready . Colonel Russell's 33:23.880 --> 33:26.839 not here today . He's TDY , but he was 33:26.839 --> 33:29.939 my road neighbor . The MSG here . 33:31.550 --> 33:33.772 Has a tremendous burden . The mission's 33:33.772 --> 33:36.609 a little bit more . Difficult than a 33:36.609 --> 33:38.949 standard base , but he has always 33:40.329 --> 33:44.010 led calmly through all the issues that 33:44.010 --> 33:48.010 he's had to deal with . Colonel Squash . 33:49.939 --> 33:52.300 Thank you for keeping the active duty 33:52.380 --> 33:55.680 guard relationship strong . Major 33:55.680 --> 33:57.847 Jacobs is doing a good job maintaining 33:57.847 --> 33:59.880 the one team , no seam concept . 34:03.849 --> 34:07.839 Ninety-fifth partners . Thanks 34:07.839 --> 34:11.750 for bringing confusion to A . Now we 34:11.750 --> 34:13.694 will have to say which maintenance 34:13.694 --> 34:15.879 group in which opps group . Just 34:15.879 --> 34:18.046 kidding . I value your partnership and 34:18.046 --> 34:20.157 maintenance and wish you all godspeed 34:20.157 --> 34:22.323 as you continue to grow your personnel 34:22.323 --> 34:24.789 and meet mission demands . To the road 34:24.789 --> 34:27.428 neighbors , what a great experience 34:27.428 --> 34:30.019 living in historic housing . As I 34:30.019 --> 34:32.029 mentioned earlier , people make an 34:32.029 --> 34:34.559 assignment . And living on the road 34:34.559 --> 34:36.781 wouldn't have been the same without the 34:36.781 --> 34:39.003 friendship we developed . Thank you for 34:39.003 --> 34:41.438 the memories . 3 Custer Drive will be 34:41.438 --> 34:42.999 an address I never forget . 34:45.689 --> 34:48.820 Oh wait . My personal moving company . 34:50.090 --> 34:52.201 Matter of fact , I have to share this 34:52.201 --> 34:55.388 story . The movers came into the house . 34:56.370 --> 34:59.320 They were flabbergasted One of them had 34:59.320 --> 35:02.649 been doing this for 45 years . In 45 35:02.649 --> 35:04.649 years , he said he has never seen a 35:04.649 --> 35:07.850 house look so prepared to move . And 35:07.850 --> 35:10.183 they even looked at each other and said , 35:10.183 --> 35:10.000 why are we here ? 35:15.610 --> 35:18.139 Thank you for believing in me and 35:18.139 --> 35:20.472 telling me off , you know you can do it , 35:20.472 --> 35:22.709 just get it done . Because you know I'm 35:22.709 --> 35:25.750 my worst critic . I've been known to 35:25.750 --> 35:27.472 forget to pass on a gift as is 35:27.472 --> 35:29.361 tradition in changes of command . 35:30.270 --> 35:32.437 Because I get so caught up in what I'm 35:32.437 --> 35:35.149 speaking and sometimes I forget . So I 35:35.149 --> 35:38.149 know that tradition is flowers , but I 35:38.149 --> 35:40.229 also know that flowers don't hold up 35:40.229 --> 35:43.080 long in a car or on an airplane . So 35:43.080 --> 35:46.260 I'm breaking tradition . And giving you 35:46.260 --> 35:49.810 a pair of island shoes . Also , 35:50.709 --> 35:52.542 I think the Air Force is finally 35:52.542 --> 35:54.709 acknowledging your outstanding support 35:54.989 --> 35:58.590 through 12 PCSs by rewarding you with 35:58.590 --> 36:02.360 an all expenses paid . 2-year vacation 36:02.719 --> 36:06.159 to the Pacific . Hard work does pay off . 36:06.600 --> 36:08.267 It just takes a lot of time . 36:10.580 --> 36:12.747 This last part is where I usually tell 36:12.747 --> 36:14.913 the incoming commander how amazing the 36:14.913 --> 36:16.969 fifty-fifth Maintenance Group is and 36:16.969 --> 36:19.247 how well the community supports off it . 36:19.500 --> 36:21.722 But he has been here longer than I have 36:21.722 --> 36:23.778 and is familiar with any information 36:23.778 --> 36:26.919 that I can pass down . But I will say I 36:26.919 --> 36:30.010 did have an advantage . That you are 36:30.010 --> 36:32.449 not going to get , nor can I pass it 36:32.449 --> 36:36.379 down . And that is , I had 2 deputies 36:36.760 --> 36:39.699 with extensive RC and A knowledge . 36:40.280 --> 36:44.030 Eric , you only get 1 . Eric , I know 36:44.030 --> 36:45.974 the maintenance group will be well 36:45.974 --> 36:48.086 taken care of under your leadership . 36:48.899 --> 36:51.600 Remember , your leadership style is 36:51.600 --> 36:54.320 what brought you this far . Continue 36:54.320 --> 36:56.376 performing as you have in the past , 36:56.399 --> 36:58.288 and you will lead the fifty-fifth 36:58.288 --> 37:00.177 Maintenance crew to new heights . 37:02.899 --> 37:03.899 Mahama . 37:17.689 --> 37:20.209 Thank you , Colonel Fetters . And now 37:20.209 --> 37:22.265 the men and women of the fifty-fifth 37:22.265 --> 37:24.320 Maintenance Group will honor Colonel 37:24.320 --> 37:28.030 Fetters with a final salute . Squadron 37:28.780 --> 37:32.510 To Breathe it , freeze it . 37:37.409 --> 37:38.409 Sorry . 37:50.209 --> 37:51.209 the 37:58.000 --> 37:59.000 Oh . 38:10.050 --> 38:12.272 Ladies and gentlemen , please stand for 38:12.272 --> 38:13.606 the change of command . 38:24.250 --> 38:26.159 What was the order . Attention to 38:26.159 --> 38:28.949 orders . Air Force Instruction 38:28.949 --> 38:32.290 51-604 , General Order 38:32.290 --> 38:35.290 011 by order of Colonel Aaron T . Gray , 38:35.409 --> 38:37.570 commander of 55th Wing . Colonel 38:37.570 --> 38:39.792 Kenneth H . Fetters , commander of 55th 38:39.792 --> 38:42.126 Maintenance Crew , relinquishes command . 38:42.129 --> 38:44.296 Colonel Eric L . Birth assumes command 38:44.296 --> 38:46.530 of the 55th Maintenance Group effective 38:46.530 --> 38:49.030 this first day of May 2026 . 39:16.550 --> 39:17.550 I 39:36.580 --> 39:39.199 Ladies Please be seated . I now present 39:39.199 --> 39:41.143 to you the Commander , fifty-fifth 39:41.143 --> 39:43.421 Maintenance Group , Colonel Eric Geler . 39:55.010 --> 39:57.232 All right , good afternoon , everyone . 39:57.232 --> 39:59.177 Distinguished guests , teammates , 39:59.239 --> 40:01.295 chairmen and families . Thank you so 40:01.295 --> 40:03.461 much for being here today . It's truly 40:03.461 --> 40:05.461 an honor to stand before you as the 40:05.461 --> 40:08.189 incoming commander of the widely known 40:08.189 --> 40:10.189 and world renowned 55th Maintenance 40:10.189 --> 40:12.310 Group . First , I want to recognize 40:12.310 --> 40:14.421 Colonel Ken Fetters . Sir , thank you 40:14.421 --> 40:16.477 so much for your leadership over the 40:16.477 --> 40:18.366 last two years . It's been really 40:18.366 --> 40:20.532 phenomenal to see . The amazing things 40:20.532 --> 40:22.754 this group has achieved . And I'm proud 40:22.754 --> 40:24.866 to say that I was able to get a front 40:24.866 --> 40:26.866 row seat to it all while serving as 40:26.866 --> 40:28.977 your deputy . Today , the fifty-fifth 40:28.977 --> 40:31.088 MXG operates on a strong foundation , 40:31.088 --> 40:33.080 and your leadership was key in 40:33.080 --> 40:35.399 cementing the successes this group is 40:35.399 --> 40:38.510 known for . Your focus on readiness , 40:38.879 --> 40:41.479 discipline , and taking care of airmen 40:41.760 --> 40:44.000 has positioned this group for continued 40:44.000 --> 40:46.760 success . On behalf of the on behalf of 40:46.760 --> 40:48.816 the men and women of the fifty-fifth 40:48.816 --> 40:51.038 MXG , thank you so much for what you've 40:51.038 --> 40:53.209 done to move this mission forward . To 40:53.209 --> 40:55.689 our wing commander Colonel Gray , sir , 40:55.800 --> 40:58.570 thank you so much for your trust and 40:58.570 --> 41:00.610 confidence in me to lead this 41:00.610 --> 41:03.570 incredible organization . I am truly 41:03.570 --> 41:06.810 humbled by the opportunity and fully 41:06.810 --> 41:08.754 understand the responsibility that 41:08.754 --> 41:12.070 comes with it . Thank you to my family . 41:12.959 --> 41:15.070 I'm deeply grateful to each and every 41:15.070 --> 41:17.159 one of you for standing beside me 41:17.159 --> 41:19.215 through every step of this journey . 41:19.479 --> 41:22.360 Your unwavering support , patience , 41:22.800 --> 41:25.459 and encouragement have made it possible 41:26.000 --> 41:27.778 for me to take on the honor and 41:27.778 --> 41:29.667 responsibility of commanding this 41:29.667 --> 41:31.778 amazing group . I carry your strength 41:31.778 --> 41:33.944 with me as I begin a new chapter , and 41:33.944 --> 41:35.944 I couldn't have reached this moment 41:35.944 --> 41:38.000 without you . And finally to the men 41:38.000 --> 41:40.333 and women of the fifty-fifth main group . 41:40.333 --> 41:42.820 You're the backbone of the world's 41:42.820 --> 41:46.679 greatest ISR combat capability , 41:47.070 --> 41:49.237 and I'll say that again for emphasis , 41:49.469 --> 41:52.270 the backbone of the world's greatest 41:52.270 --> 41:56.149 ISR combat capability . Don't ever let 41:56.149 --> 41:58.371 anyone tell you differently . I've seen 41:58.371 --> 42:00.939 it firsthand , your capacity to do 42:00.939 --> 42:02.995 amazing things that no other unit on 42:02.995 --> 42:06.280 planet Earth can provide . We generate 42:06.280 --> 42:09.000 sorties , fix what's broken , prevent 42:09.000 --> 42:10.889 what could break , and ensure our 42:10.889 --> 42:13.280 aircraft are always ready to answer the 42:13.280 --> 42:16.409 nation's call . You do it in the heat , 42:16.780 --> 42:19.580 the cold , the wind , and the dark , 42:19.899 --> 42:21.899 and you do it on the weekends , the 42:21.899 --> 42:24.020 holidays , and long after most have 42:24.020 --> 42:26.840 ever gone home , where your day to day 42:27.419 --> 42:30.479 tactical actions have the most 42:30.699 --> 42:34.580 profound strategic effect . Simply 42:34.580 --> 42:37.620 put , they're the absolute best at what 42:37.620 --> 42:40.510 you do . I want you to know how proud I 42:40.510 --> 42:42.989 am to join this team in this capacity . 42:43.879 --> 42:45.879 I'm not just honored to command the 42:45.879 --> 42:48.199 fifty-fifth MXG , I'm more than proud 42:48.199 --> 42:50.709 to be a part of it . My commitment to 42:50.709 --> 42:53.280 you is simple . I will work tire 42:53.280 --> 42:56.159 tirelessly to support you , to remove 42:56.159 --> 42:58.919 barriers where I can , and ensure you 42:58.919 --> 43:01.340 have what you need to accomplish the 43:01.340 --> 43:05.330 mission safely and effectively . I will 43:05.330 --> 43:07.570 lead with integrity and transparency , 43:08.050 --> 43:10.409 but make no mistake , the expectation 43:10.409 --> 43:13.889 is high , not because I said it , but 43:13.889 --> 43:16.560 because our families and this nation 43:16.770 --> 43:19.290 absolutely demand it , and I know for 43:19.290 --> 43:21.234 an absolute fact that this team is 43:21.234 --> 43:23.457 ready and able to deliver . Together we 43:23.457 --> 43:25.623 will continue to build on this group's 43:25.623 --> 43:27.846 legacy of excellence . Together we will 43:27.846 --> 43:30.068 take care of our people and execute our 43:30.068 --> 43:32.729 mission with precision , pride , and 43:32.729 --> 43:36.280 lethality . Lights on , talent's out . 43:36.600 --> 43:37.822 Thank you very much . 43:52.100 --> 43:54.919 Mm . Squadron . 43:58.439 --> 43:59.439 Freeze it . 44:07.679 --> 44:08.679 The 44:19.169 --> 44:20.169 Oh 44:33.260 --> 44:35.149 The men and women of the Fighting 44:35.149 --> 44:37.204 Fifty-fifth are proud to have served 44:37.204 --> 44:39.371 with Colonel Fetters and wish him good 44:39.371 --> 44:41.260 luck and best wishes in his youth 44:41.260 --> 44:43.482 assignment . We're also honored to have 44:43.482 --> 44:43.419 Colonel Burke assume his position as 44:43.419 --> 44:45.252 the commander of the fifty-fifth 44:45.252 --> 44:47.419 Maintenance Group . We invite everyone 44:47.419 --> 44:49.419 to attend the reception immediately 44:49.419 --> 44:51.308 following the ceremony behind the 44:51.308 --> 44:54.800 bleachers and dock one . Please join us 44:55.100 --> 44:57.267 and remain standing until the official 44:57.267 --> 44:59.156 party has departed and join us in 44:59.156 --> 45:00.767 singing the Air Force song . 45:52.949 --> 45:55.171 Ladies and gentlemen , on behalf of the 45:55.171 --> 45:56.893 official party , thank you for 45:56.893 --> 45:57.270 attending our ceremony .