552d Maintenance Group welcomes new commander Published July 31, 2008 By 2nd Lt. Kinder L. Blacke 552 ACW Public Affairs July 1, 2008 -- Colonel Lawrence W. Hinkin assumed command July 1 of the 552nd Maintenance Group, 552nd Air Control Wing in an official ceremony officiated by Brig. General Lori Robinson, commander, 552 Air Control Wing. As commander, Col. Hinkin will be responsible for managing and supervising the maintenance complex, consisting of two aircraft maintenance squadrons, a maintenance operations squadron and associated staff functions. Additionally, he will direct, manage, and coordinate all activities for over 1,500 personnel in support if 32 E-3 aircraft valued at $9.6 billion. During the ceremony, General Robinson lauded Col. Hinkin's "great track record of excellence" and then symbolically passed command of the group to him with the guidon. Col. Hinkin stated that "to be able to command at this level is truly a dream come true," and assured the wing that the 552nd Maintenance Group would continue to provide "the best possible aircraft they can fly." In wake of the recent Air Force leadership changes, Col. Hinkin reminded his Airmen not to lose sight of the mission and to keep all eyes on the ball. "I look at America's Wing as a wing of enablers--and it all starts right here with the 552nd Maintenance Group," he said.