Command of the 49th MMG changes hands

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sanjay Allen
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Command of the 49th Materiel Maintenance Group changed hands in a ceremony at BEAR Base here July 31.

Col. Jeffrey Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing commander, who oversaw the ceremony, referred to BEAR Base's conversion to BEAR Order of Battle to describe the kind of leader and affect Col. William Goad, former 49th MMG commander had on the group.

"His leadership, dedication and clear understanding of a commander's intent ensured this was all accomplished with one, precision; and two, a much faster timeframe than anyone ever could have imagined," Col. Harrigian said.

The wing commander also spoke about the far reach of the 49th MMG.

"Today, members of all services are employing BEAR Base assets," he said. "From Guantanamo Bay to Iraq and Afghanistan, we've got them utilized across the world."

The man responsible for the members and assets thanked family, friends and coworkers for making his successes possible in his outgoing remarks.

"It's been a great pleasure and honor to serve the Air Force for 29 and a half years, but everything comes to an end," Col. Goad said.

"Don't ever let anyone tell you that your job is not important," he added. "I'm proud of each and every one of you for the job you do."

Colonel Goad, who is retiring after more than 29 years of service, relinquished command of the 49th MMG when Col. Harrigian passed the guidon to Col. Masao Hendrix, signifying the changing of command, a tradition that dates back to July 3, 1775, when command of the Continental Army was given to Gen. George Washington.

When the wing commander introduced the new 49th MMG commander, he mentioned that this was Col. Hendrix's third stop at Holloman so there will be no slack in getting him up to speed and he looks forward to having him here.

"Congrats," Col. Harrigian said, welcoming Col. Hendrix to the base. "And let's get to work.

Colonel Hendrix comes to Holloman from Maxwell AFB - Gunter Annex, Montgomery, Ala., where he was the director of installation and logistics systems.

He said this unit has a proud tradition and they are going to build on that tradition.

The new commander added he has four mottos that he lives by and if the group can grasp them they will all work together just fine. They are "Mission first, people always;" "deeds not words;" "word is your bond;" and "war is our profession, readiness is our business."