OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 55th Communications Group held a change of command ceremony July 19, 2024, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
Col. Mark Howard, 55th Wing commander, presided over the ceremony where Col. Matthew Hensley relinquished command and Col. Rachel Freestrom assumed command.
“It was an honor to serve with you and we are excited for what you are going to do in the future, at Langley Air Force Base,” Howard said. “We are going to miss you deeply. Thank you for all you’ve done.”
As Hensley is leaving for Langley, he is confident that the 55th CG is in good hands and will continue to excel under Col. Freestrom’s guidance.
“As we transition to new leadership, I am filled with confidence and optimism,” Hensley said. “Col. Rachel Freestrom is a highly capable and visionary leader and I have no doubt that under her guidance the team will continue to achieve great things.”
Hensley’s former team is comprised of more than 400 airmen who provide vital cyber operations and command and control communications for the Air Force’s largest wing and Freestrom’s message to the group is that the mission will not stop.
“Our message is ready airmen, nuclear deterrent operations, aircraft regeneration, information warfare through cyberspace,” Freestrom said. “All of these are going to be critical components as the Air Force reoptimizes for great power competition. I am confident that our people will make all the difference.”