55th Maintenance Group holds change of command

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Carly A. Costello
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Maintenance Group held a change of command ceremony July 9 inside Dock 1 of the Bennie Davis Maintenance Facility at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

U.S. Air Force Col. Gregory Guillot, 55th Wing commander, presided over the ceremony as U.S. Air Force Col. David Carlson assumed command from U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Courtois.

"The 55th Maintenance Group is one of the most diverse and accomplished maintenance groups in the Air Force," Guillot said. "It takes a lot of work to keep America's airplanes flying. It takes a miracle, or outstanding leadership and ceaseless effort, to keep six separate types of aircraft flying, especially while many of these airframes are celebrating their 50th birthday."

As the 55th Maintenance Group commander, Carlson will lead 1,200 personnel who provide maintenance to 31 aircraft including the E-4, Cobra Ball and Constant Phoenix.

"I stand before you today very thankful for and humbled by the opportunity I have been given to command such a historic group," Carlson said. "For me, this really is a dream come true... It isn't a mystery that I have some massive shoes to fill. Dan, I will work hard to build on the high standards of excellence that have come to be expected under your tenure as commander."

Carlson is a recent graduate of the Air Force's Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Prior to that, Carlson served as the 52nd Munitions Maintenance Group deputy group commander at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany where he commanded and directed operations for more than 560 military personnel. And even though he is new to Offutt, Carlson is not new to the 55th Wing. From June 2008 to July 2010, he commanded the 755th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

"I'm thrilled to have David as the next MXG commander," Guillot said. "He comes highly praised, and there is no doubt he has the background, experience, the motivation and leadership skills necessary to lead this dynamic maintenance group through the challenges that lie ahead as our nation continues to combat extremism and terror."

Courtois, who has commanded the MXG since June 2010, is headed to Florida for his next assignment where he will oversee maintenance for the in Air Force Special Operations Command.

"We all congratulate Col. Courtois on his impressive accomplishments during his time here and thank him for his tireless service to our country," Guillot said. "Thank you, Dan. The results of your leadership here will leave a lasting impact."

In his farewell remarks, Courtois expressed great gratitude towards his maintainers and Offutt Air Force Base.

"The maintenance excellence that you guys have shown is second to none, in my opinion," Courtois said. "And what I am most proud of in my time here, is you display the absolute highest standards of our Air Force core values and that I cannot ask any more of. That alone makes me proud. I am truly blessed to have been part of this team, and I thank you."