A familiar officer returns to take command of the 55th Operations Group

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Carly A. Costello
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Operations Group welcomed back a familiar face during its change of command ceremony at the Bennie Davis Maintenance Facility May 28.

U.S. Air Force Col. Mohan Krishna assumed command of the 55th Operations Group from U.S. Air Force Col. Russell Mammoser, who served as the operations group commander for two years.

Krishna comes to Offutt from the Pentagon where he served as the Deputy Chief of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Collection Capabilities Division, but he is no stranger to Offutt as this is his ninth assignment on the base, with his most recent Offutt assignment ending in August 2012.

"I am humbled and honored to command the 55th Operations Group," Krishna said. "This is a homecoming like no other."

Krishna is a 1992 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and served as a maintenance officer until he went to undergraduate navigator training in 1995. With more than 22 years of service, 16 assignments and more than 1,900 hours as a master navigator, U.S. Air Force Col. Gregory Guillot, 55th Wing commander, knows that Krishna has what it takes to lead the 55th OG.

"[Krishna] comes highly praised, and there is no doubt he has the background, experience, vocation and leadership skills necessary to lead this dynamic group through the challenges that lie ahead as our nation continues to combat extremists and terrorists," Guillot said.

The 55th Operations Group is the largest operations group in the Air Force and executes reconnaissance, command and control, presidential support with the E-4B and nuclear treaty verification missions directed by the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, Joint Chief of Staff, combatant commanders and national intelligence agencies worldwide.

The operations group is the reason behind the wing's unofficial motto, "The sun never sets on the the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth," because 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, there is a 55th OG aircraft in the air or a 55th Airman deployed. The group consists of 3,200 Airmen in 12 squadrons and one detachment, which operates 33 aircraft, including different types with multiple variations.

"You are the best at what you do," Krishna said to the members of the operations group. "I am not here to teach you how to do your job. I am here to break down barriers that stop you from flying, fighting and winning."

Mammoser leaves to take command of the National Airborne Operations Center right across the street at U.S. Strategic Command.

"I think people would agree that the 55th Operations Group is fortunate to have two outstanding officers leading them in the immediate past and future," Guillot said. "We want to congratulate Col. Mammoser for his accomplishments during his time here, and thank him for his tireless service to our country."