924th Fighter Group welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Elizabeth Magnusson
  • 944th FIghter Wing
DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZ. --  Col. Thomas McNurlin became commander of the 924th Fighter Group in a change-of-command ceremony June 8.

McNurlin assumed command from Col. John Russell in a ceremony officiated by Col. Kurt J. Gallegos, 944th Fighter Wing commander.

"Colonel Russell, you led our Group through a lot of changes during your tenure as commander. Thank you for your leadership and dedication to our Group and the incredible service you and the 924th provided," Gallegos commented during the ceremony. "Colonel McNurlin, I have tremendous faith in your abilities to lead the 924th and look forward to working with you as we continue to grow this Group "

The change of command ceremony, a military tradition representing the transfer of responsibilities from the presiding official to the upcoming official, was held at the 924th Maintenance Squadron hangar.

"The tremendous amount of work and coordination we have accomplished is clear," said Russell. "Just look around this hangar and out to the flightline. Members of this unit succeeded in the face of adversity. It's the incredible hard work of the 924th Maintenance Squadron "termites" and members of the 47th Fighter Squadron that deserve the credit and thanks. So thank you 924th Fighter Group. It has been the honor of my career to have been your commander."

Russell is moving to Robins AFB, Ga., to become part of the Air Force Reserve Command Inspector General team. McNurlin is the former 442nd Operations Group deputy operations group commander, Whiteman AFB, Missouri.

"Thank you, Colonel Gallegos, for the faith and trust you have placed in me. I won't let you down," McNurlin said.

"To the men and women of the 924th Fighter Group, it is truly an honor and privilege to be working with you and Kim and I are excited to start this new chapter," McNurlin told the gathered Airmen. "The culture of success we create now will carry us for years to come. Thank you for everything you do and the commitment you have made to our country and Air Force. I look forward to getting to know each of you and working together to accomplish more than any of us think is possible."

The 924thth Fighter Group is part of the Air Force Reserve Command's 944th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB, Arizona. It is a Total Force Enterprise Classic Associate to the 355th Fighter Wing conducting A-10C Thunderbolt II qualification training and maintenance operations.