New commander takes over 49 MXG Published June 29, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Heather Stanton 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 33rd change of command for the 49th Maintenance Group took place June 30 here in a ceremony commemorating the event. Col. Gary Bryson relinquished command of the 49 MXG to Col. George Torres Jr. after running it since April, 2005. "It is an honor to work here for the men and women of the 49 MXG," said Colonel Torres after assuming command by accepting the 49 MXG guidon from Brig. Gen. David Goldfein, 49th Fighter Wing commander and presiding officer of the ceremony. General Goldfein made light of the fact that the group is the same age as Colonel Bryson. "The group has deployed for every major conflict since its activation," said General Goldfein. The 49 MXG consists of the 49th Maintenance Operations Squadron, the 49th Maintenance Squadron and the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and is responsible for the maintenance of the F-117A Nighthawk and soon-to-come F-22A Raptor. "I was the first commander to retire the F-117," said Colonel Bryson. "Colonel Torres will be the last to retire it." During his going-away speech, Colonel Bryson complimented the group on being a great team and told Colonel Torres he will be inheriting a team of maintenance professional who are ready for anything. Colonel Torres and is wife Nancy have come to the Friendliest Place on Earth from Kirtland Air Force Base and is excited about the base and community. "It is great to see a place where the community and base get along," he said.