Ops group holds change of command

  • Published
  • By Ryan Hansen
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The U.S. Air Force's largest operations group held a change of command at the Bennie Davis Maintenance Facility May 24.

Col. Russell Mammoser assumed command of the 55th Operations Group from Col. John Hansen during the time-honored ceremony.

"I would like to thank those that have made this opportunity possible," Mammoser said. "It's truly humbling and I'm extremely excited to be part of this team."

Mammoser comes to the 55th OG from Operations Team Two where he served as commander in support of the National Airborne Operations Center here at Offutt.

"This operations group has been firing on all cylinders," said Brig. Gen. Don Bacon, 55th Wing commander, who was the ceremony's presiding official, "but we have to continue improving and adapting and Col. Russ Mammoser is the right person for this job."

Mammoser entered the Air Force in 1983 as a fuels specialist and after graduating from Officer Training School in 1990, he completed undergraduate pilot training.

This is Mammoser's third assignment with the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth. His most recent position was as commander of 1st Airborne Command Control Squadron from January 2007 - February 2009.

"He's one of us, and we're proud of that," Bacon said. "He knows the complexities of this wing and he's ready to step in."

A command pilot with more than 4,900 flying hours, Mammoser said he looks forward to continuing the great work Hansen has done while leading the 55th OG.

"I would like to thank Colonel Hansen for what he's done to ensure the 55th Operations Group is always ready to support our mission," he said. "It is obvious that he has dedicated himself towards obtaining results, results that in turn enable 55th Wing personnel to accomplish truly amazing taskings."

Hansen joined the Air Force in 1988 through the Reserve Officer Training School program. He's a master navigator with 3,000 flight hours and has commanded the 55th OG since May 2010. He will now retire after more than 24 years of service to his country.

"I'm honored that I was given this opportunity two years ago and feel blessed to be standing here today," he said.

Bacon said when he thinks of Hansen, he thinks of leadership, judgment and passion.

"I believe John Hansen is, and will be, an icon within this wing and group for years to come," he said. "He's had an impact on thousands and thousands of Airmen over his career."

The 55th OG has more than 3,200 members around the globe and consists of 12 squadrons and one detachment. With 33 aircraft, including 13 models of seven different types, it is one of the most diverse flying groups in the Air Force.