Support group under new leadership

  • Published
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Mission Support Group held a change of command ceremony July 8 inside the Patriot Club at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Charles Kuhl took command from U.S. Air Force Col. Andrea Tullos during the deeply-rooted and military tradition-rich service.

"I couldn't be prouder to be the newest member of the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth," Kuhl said. "It's an honor to serve at a base as steep in military history as Offutt. This is a vital platform in our nation's defense and I'm proud to be in a group that makes it all happen."

U.S. Air Force Col. Gregory Guillot, 55th Wing commander, was the presiding official and said the 55th MSG was lucky to have such outstanding people serving as their leaders.

"I think you will agree that the 55th Mission Support Group is fortunate to have two outstanding officers and families lead them in the immediate past and the upcoming future," he said.

Kuhl comes to Offutt after serving as a student at Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Prior to that he served as the 87th Civil Engineer Squadron commander at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

"There's no doubt Charlie has the training, background, experience and motivation needed to lead the mission support group through the challenges that lie ahead," Guillot said. "I'm confident (he) is the right leader to bare the challenge of providing the base with world class mission support and our nation with world class Airmen to complete our mission wherever, and whenever, duty calls.

The 1992 Air Force Academy graduate takes command of a group which provides engineering, security, mission support, services, supply, transportation, contracting and deployment readiness programs to more than 57,000 active duty, dependent and retiree personnel.

"I'm truly blessed with a great family and I'm certain this opportunity that lies ahead for me wouldn't be possible without them," Kuhl said "We're excited to be here."

Tullos has led the MSG since July 2011. She departs for the Pentagon where she will serve within strategic plans on the joint staff.

"The results of Andrea's leadership have been impressive," Guillot said. "Her group overcame civilian manpower reductions and budgets cuts to ensure Offutt's mission essential tasks were conducted safe and effectively."

"I'll admit that this was the most difficult assignment I've ever had," Tullos said. "I've learned more every day, and every day seemed to bring a new challenge. My most important lesson is that I was part of a great team, and that team was leading me."

The 55th MSG includes more than 1,500 active duty personnel, civilians and contractors.