BEAR Base changes command

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Siuta B. Ika
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 49th Materiel Maintenance Group welcomed a new commander during a Change of Command ceremony July 14.

During the ceremony, Col. Masao Hendrix, former 49th MMG commander, relinquished command of the 49th MMG and its Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources assets to Col. James Krajewski.

After the presentation of the colors, the playing of the national anthem and the invocation by 49th Wing Chaplain (Lt. Col.) William Toguchi, Col. Krumm, 49th Wing commander, shared his thoughts on the out-going BEAR Base commander.

"Much can be said about leaders," the 49th WG commander said. "Leaders have different attributes and qualities that have made them great and Colonel Masao Hendrix has (all of) them. I know you will attribute (the success of the 49th MMG) to your people, but they need a leader to guide them through this. You've inspired and motivated them and I am grateful for that. Your innovation has made the 49th MMG what it is today and what it will be in the future."

Krumm highlighted some of the group's accomplishments under Hendrix's command after sharing his thoughts on the former MMG commander.

"Over the last two years, (BEAR Base) has provided the necessary resources for 17 locations in nine separate countries, all over the world," Krumm said. "MMG increased the refueling capacity of Bagram Airfield by 65 percent. When President Obama announced the surge in 2009, sending 13,000 additional Marines to Afghanistan, BEAR Base was the one to provide the cargo and the supplies to bed them down. Not content to just supply the deployers, they also provided the deployers -- almost 300 Airmen from BEAR Base have gone overseas during Colonel Hendrix's tenure."

Following Krumm's speech, Hendrix took to the podium to give his final words as the 49th MMG commander.

"You have never failed to get the necessary people and equipment to go support Iraq, Afghanistan or the humanitarian efforts," Hendrix said. "I am so proud of everything you've done the past two years. As Colonel Krumm said -- nine countries, 17 different locations."

Hendrix then rendered his final salute before officially relinquishing command to Krajewski and the men and women of the 49th MMG rendering their first salute to their new commander.

"It's an honor to lead this organization, and my family and I are excited to be here," said the new BEAR Base commander. "Colonel Hendrix is going to be a tough act to follow, and I have no illusions of how high the bar has been set, so I realize I have a lot of work to do."

Before finishing his speech, Krajewski provided a thank you to Krumm, Hendrix and everyone in attendance of the ceremony.

"Colonel Krumm -- thank you for this opportunity," he started. "Colonel Hendrix -- thank you for setting this group up for continued success. To everyone else here -- I appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to attend this ceremony. My family and I look forward to getting to know you."

For more information on the 49th Materiel Maintenance Group, visit the official Holloman website at www.holloman.af.mil.