Mission Support Group welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • 96 ABW Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 96th Mission Support Group welcomed its new leader Oct. 1 when Col. Alan Bridges assumed command at the officers' club. 

Colonel Bridges is now responsible for one of the largest groups in the 96th Air Base Wing. It encompasses six squadrons and more than 2,000 personnel. The 96th MSG is responsible for security forces, contracting, ground combat training, logistics readiness, mission support and services. Flights from each squadron stood in formation to welcome their new boss. 

Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander, recognized the group as "one of our wing's four cornerstones." He acknowledged the vast scope of the group's mission and compared it to running a small town. 

"You must be able to meet and exceed your customer's expectations," he said.
"It is not going too far to say that the sun never sets on mission support group activity that supports the most dynamic Air Force installation," the colonel said. "If you equated flying sorties to customer contact, MSG would be flying roughly 10,000 sorties a day." 

The colonel also took a moment to recognize Lt. Col. Christopher Wheeler, who took charge of the group for five months until Colonel Bridges returned from his deployment to the Horn of Africa where he coordinated air power and provided rescue forces to the Combined Joint Task Force. 

"Chris stepped up to the challenges posed by my never ending inquisitiveness and my litany of questions during my first 90 days of command," Colonel McClintock said. "He managed to ensure the many diverse missions associated with the MSG were carried out in his capacity as the group commander." 

After accepting the flag, Colonel Bridges expressed his appreciation for being back in the south. He talked of growing up in Marietta, Ga., and touched on his many family visits to the gulf coast and his assignment flying Pave Low helicopters while stationed at Hurlburt Field. The Air Force Academy graduate said his Boy Scout experience and their motto, "Be Prepared," is a foundation for the group. The colonel assured the squadron commanders that he would let them run their squadrons for two reasons. 

"I don't know your jobs like you know your jobs," he said. "Military command is a neat form of leadership and I want you to realize the truth in the saying that squadron command is the most fun job in the Air Force." 

Colonel Bridges went on to recognize each individual squadron for their mission, professionalism and vital support to the base. He drew a laugh from the crowd when he singled out security forces. 

"My kids enjoyed the escort (to the ceremony). I hope that's the last time I see them in the back of a squad car," he said. 

Colonel McClintock said that the new commander was selected for his leadership skills, a critical component in improving quality of life for Team Eglin. It's a challenge Colonel Bridges is ready to tackle. 

"I am looking forward to making more fun and exciting memories as part of Team Eglin, supporting all our teammates across the base," he concluded.