News

55th Mission Support Group welcomes new commander

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  • By 55th Wing Public Affairs

The 55th Mission Support Group held a change of command ceremony at the Offutt Fire Department on Offutt Air Force Base July 23, 2021.

Col. Jasin Cooley took command from Col. Alan Dayton during the deeply rooted and military tradition-rich service.

“Jasin is inheriting a wonderful group filled with eager, hardworking and dedicated humans,” said Col. Kristen Thompson, 55th Wing commander, who was the presiding official. “He will be a tremendous leader to them.”

Cooley comes to the Fightin’ Fifty-Fifth from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, where he served as commander of the 36th Mission Support Group.

“Jasin’s background, experience, expertise and leadership will build upon the foundation that has been set,” Thompson said. “We’re so excited to welcome him and his family to our family.”

The 1996 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy takes command of a group that provides engineering, security, force support, transportation, contracting and deployment readiness among other things to the more than 57,000 active duty, dependent and retiree personnel of Team Offutt.

“I am looking forward to working with this team,” Cooley said. “It is crystal clear that the 55th MSG has made a name for itself and always gets the job done.”

During his career, Cooley has served in a variety of leadership positions. Some of those include commanding the 50th Security Forces Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, director of the Center of Airpower Studies at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and provost marshal for United States Forces Japan headquarters.

“I’ve been dazzled by the professionalism of everyone within the group so far, and it’s apparent that the MSG is truly a well-oiled machine,” Cooley said.

Dayton has led the MSG since July 2019. He departs for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he will command the Air Force ROTC Detachment 157 there.

“I speak for many across this base in that we all have a special place in our heart for (Col. Dayton) and his group,” Thompson said. “The quiet professionalism with which he leads is amazing.”

“This job has been a doozy,” Dayton said. “To the men and women of the 55th MSG, my wife and I are truly honored to have served alongside you these last two years.”

The 55th MSG is comprised of more than 1,500 active duty personnel, civilian and contractors.