55th Communications Group conducts change of command

  • Published
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Communications Group held a change of command ceremony May 29 inside the Patriot Club at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffrey Granger assumed command of the 55th Communications Group from U.S. Air Force Col. Donovan Routsis.

"As always, this is a bittersweet day for the outgoing commander, because conflicting emotions come from pure release at relinquishing the single most stressful part of his life and deep resistance at giving up responsibility for the greatest position he has held in the Air Force," said U.S. Air Force Col. John Rauch, 55th Wing commander, who presided over the ceremony.

Granger comes to the 55th CG from Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, where he served as 624th Operations Center deputy commander.

"I really wish my wife and family could be here," Granger said. "Like me, I'm sure that they would be awed by the amount of people here and the warm welcome I've received."

The 55th CG's mission is to provide superior command, control, communications, and computers and knowledge management services for the 55th Wing, U.S. Strategic Command, the Air Force Weather Agency, as well as to more than 50 partner units on Team Offutt.

As its new commander, Granger will lead more than 600 military, defense civilian, and contractor personnel operating and maintaining arguably the Air Force's most diverse array of cyber systems. This includes multiple military satellite communications platforms, secure and non-secure voice, data and radio frequency networks, one-of-a-kind air traffic control and landing systems, hundreds of miles of fiber optic and copper cabling, as well as providing base-wide client systems, information assurance and knowledge operations services.

"I'm honored to be following a man that I respect, and I wish him the best as he goes to Washington," Granger said.

During the ceremony, Routsis received the Legion of Merit for his outstanding service at Offutt.

"Col. Routsis has left an indelible imprint on the group," Rauch said. "Yet the wonderful thing about changes of command in the military is that beginning in a few minutes, Col. Granger will begin the same process of leaving an imprint of his own."

Routsis thanked the men and women who served him and expressed his confidence in their future. He also said he was grateful for the supportive atmosphere provided by the surrounding community, particularly his collaboration with the co-commanders program and the backing of the Offutt Advisory Council.

"The community partnerships are really what make this assignment one of a kind," Routsis said. "The partnership of the Offutt Advisory Council is something I've never seen at any other base. I'm honored to have worked with you all."

Routsis' next assignment is with the White House Communications Agency in Washington, D.C.