LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 944th Mission Support Group welcomes a new commander during a change of command ceremony here, Jun 6.
Col. Jim Greenwald, 944th Fighter Wing commander, gives command of the 944th MSG to Col. Rodney Lykins in front fellow commanders and peers.
Lykins joins the unit after fulfilling his duty as the Deputy Commander of the 452nd Mission Support Group at March Air Reserve Base, California. In his new position, Lykins will be responsible for overseeing support, planning, and resource management activities for a 1,900-person fighter wing, including two geographically separated units, the 414th Fighter Group at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina and the 924th Fighter Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
Lykins will lead, direct, and manage four squadrons with the following responsibilities: civil engineering, explosive ordnance disposal, readiness, fire protection, supply, transportation, fuels, logistics readiness, security and law enforcement, combat arms, military personnel, family readiness, lodging and food service support, mortuary affairs, communication and information systems, and computer support.
During the ceremony, Greenwald thanked Lt. Col. Hayley Wihongi, interim commander, for stepping into the vacant position last year for an undetermined length of time and guiding the unit through these challenging times.
Even though the Airmen of the unit could not be present for the ceremony due to COVID-19 safety requirements, Greenwald expressed his support and confidence of Lykins and praised the unit for their efforts.