OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 55th Maintenance Group held a change of command ceremony Aug. 3, 2018, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
Officiated by Col. Mike Manion, 55th Wing commander, the ceremony saw Col. Todd Hammond assume command of the group as Col. Clayton Seale relinquished command.
The Airmen of the group maintain all assigned and transient aircraft equipment, and develop maintenance plans supporting worldwide reconnaissance, intelligence and surveillance, Airborne Command Post, and National Airborne Operations Center missions.
“Together these warriors maintain 29 special mission C-135’s and all the variants with an average age exceeding 50 years,” Manion said. “These aircraft and their global capabilities would not be possible without the daily sacrifices of the men and women of the 55th Maintenance Group.”
Hammond comes to the 55th MXG after commanding the 51st Maintenance Group at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Since entering the Air Force in 1993 Hammond has held command at several levels.
“I promise as your commander to be transparent, to work, and mentor and develop our Airmen,” said Hammond, “and I look forward to developing the possible lasting change with you to better our organization”
The outgoing commander, Seale, was presented with the Legion of Merit medal for his accomplishments during his command of the group. After 28 years of service, Seale will be retiring from the Air Force.
“This has been absolutely the best assignment and I walk off the stage the proudest man on the face of the Earth,” Seale said. “Thank you.”
After addressing his unit, Seale delivered a short message to his successor.
“I wish I was you,” Seale said to Hammond. “I wish I was sitting in your seat ready to take over. This is absolutely the best assignment. The folks who you have working for you will move mountains and will make miracles happen. All you have to do is ask and get out of the way, and the rest will happen.”