OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 55th Communications Group held a change of command ceremony here July 15, 2020.
Col. Larry Fletcher assumed command from Col. Steve Wieland in a ceremony officiated by Col. Gavin Marks, 55th Wing commander.
“Fletch brings tremendous breadth to the 55th Communications Group,” Marks said. “His career has been steeped in comm and cyber … and he is the right leader at the right time to bring fresh insights and tremendous leadership to the group.”
Fletcher comes to the 55th CG after serving as the Cyberspace Operations and Warfighter Communication, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations deputy director in Washington, D.C.
“I want to thank Colonel Marks for this opportunity,” he said. “I promise I will give (this team) all I got.”
As commander of the 55th CG, Fletcher will lead 400 military, civilian and contractor cyberspace professionals to defend, operate and maintain one of the Air Force’s most diverse array of cyber systems.
“Thank you to the Airmen of the 55th Comm Group,” he said. “You guys are amazing and I’m excited to join the team.”
Weiland departs Offutt for the Republic of Korea where he will serve as the J6 director and Camp Humphreys assistant chief of staff, which is a wing commander equivalent position.
“Steve is leadership personified and the 55th Wing owes him a debt of gratitude,” Marks said. “His abilities helped us continue our mission (through COVID-19) and he’s leaving a lasting impression on the Fightin’ Fifty-Fifty.”
“To the Airmen of the 55th Comm Group, it’s been an incredible honor serving with you,” Wieland said. “You are going to be what I miss most about this job.