55th Maintenance Group holds change of command ceremony

  • Published
  • By Delanie Stafford
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Hundreds turned out on a muggy July morning to witness the 55th Maintenance Group's change of command ceremony that appropriately took place inside an aircraft maintenance hangar here July 27.

With the words "Sir, I assume command.," U.S. Air Force Col. Clayton Seale was handed the unit guidon from the 55th Wing Commander, U.S. Air Force Col. Marty Reynolds, and became the newest commander of the 55th MXG.

Reynolds welcomed Seale to one of the busiest wings in the Air Force and spoke about the many accomplishments the maintenance group has achieved during the past two years under the command of U.S. Air Force Col. David Carlson.

"The Burden on Col. Carlson's team was heavy," Reynolds said. "However, Dave has led a 1,100 member team of the world's greatest maintainers to new heights."

In an emotional speech, Carlson thanked his teammates, family and friends for supporting him during his tenure at Offutt.

"Thank you for what you do for our country," Carlson said. "One would be hard pressed to find a group of men and women who are busier, supporting more missions in more places, than we are.

"Being a part of this team...this mission...in the greater Omaha area...has truly been the highlight of our military career."

Carlson was awarded the Legion of Merit medal for his accomplishments at Offutt AFB and is scheduled to take command of the 2nd Maintenance Group at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

Seale, who previously commanded the 82nd Training Group at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, will now take over the 55th MXG that has two maintenance squadrons, responsible for maintaining 33 aircraft assigned to Offutt Air Force Base.

Seale said he is looking forward to his new command.

"This mission is one of the greatest in the Air Force and one of the most important missions to our nation," Seale said. "You've laid the foundation and done many great things here. I'd love to improve on that and continue the momentum you've started."