OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 55th Maintenance Group welcomed a new commander following an assumption of command ceremony at Offutt Air Force Base June 27, 2022.
Col. Kyle Clement assumed command of the group in the time-honored ceremony officiated by Col. Kristen Thompson, 55th Wing commander.
“Kyle, we are thrilled to have you and I want to thank you for joining our team,” she said. “We have a person willing to lead in a tough environment, is progressive, innovative and mission driven. He’s precisely what we need in the MXG.”
Clement arrives to the wing from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, where he served as the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group commander over the past year.
“I’m a huge fan of those who command in theater, and we have the best of the best,” Thompson said. “If you know the ‘Deid, you know it’s tough, and that is why Kyle is perfect for this job. He knows us, he knows our jets, and he knows how to lead in combat -- really there is nothing better.”
As commander of the 379th EMXG, Clement led approximately 1,000 personnel comprised of active duty, guard and reservists. They ensured B-1s, B-52s, RC-135s, E-8s and C-130s were able to support Air Forces Central daily air tasking orders.
“For the past 380 days while deployed I’ve witnessed the Fightin’ Fifty-Fifth flying and fixing, launching and recovering combat ready sorties,” he said. “I cannot tell you how honored I am to be part of this team now.”
As MXG commander, Clement will help the wing transition its fleet of aircraft back to Offutt from Lincoln after 18 months due to a complete runway replacement project.
“I look forward to commanding this outstanding group,” Clement said. “Our nation needs us to work hard and serve every day to provide excellence in all we do in every AFSC. I want to thank you all for all that you have done and all that you will do.”
Clement began his Air Force career in 1989 as a security policeman before earning his commission in 1994. He has worked numerous maintenance leadership positions at wing and staff levels across the world during his more than 25-year career.
“I am grateful to have this opportunity,” Clement said. “It’s an honor and privilege and one I take very seriously.”
The 55th MXG includes approximately 1,200 personnel, who maintain the U.S. Air Force’s fourth oldest fleet of aircraft.