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552 AMXS welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Ken LaFayette
  • 72nd ABW Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla --  Lt. Col. Brian R. Moore, 552nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, transferred command of the squadron to Lt. Col. Kelley C. Stevens in an official ceremony Jun 30.

The change of command was presided over by Col. Stella T. Smith, 552nd Maintenance Group commander, who for the second time in two days bid farewell to one leader and welcomed another.

"Colonel Stevens is not unknown to the 552nd Maintenance Group. She comes over from the Maintenance Squadron where she previously commanded the past six months.

"She has proven her mettle, she has demonstrated her understanding of maintenance, her effective leadership style and I have no doubt that she will continue the superb legacy built under Colonel Moore, said Colonel Smith.

Colonel Stevens humbly accepted command and acknowledged the team effort that allowed her to achieve the position as commander.

"My career has been full of very smart and amazingly patient, supervisors, commanders, Chiefs, NCOs and Airmen who never missed an opportunity to teach me lessons I carry with me every day," said Colonel Stevens.

Addressing her squadron for the first time, Colonel Stevens used a quote from Aristotle to challenge the squadron. "'We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit,'" she said, "I challenge each of you to develop a habit of excellence in everything you do from aircraft maintenance to being a supervisor and leader.

"I hope you all will join me in my enthusiasm and passion for developing and taking care of our Airman and executing the mission," said Colonel Stevens.

Colonel Smith applauded Colonel Moore on his work ethic, dedication, energy and passion for taking care of people and business.

"He made it clear from day one in command that he wanted to help the squadron embrace and express the pride which they deserve for the amazing accomplishments they achieve on these old aircraft in the crazy Oklahoma elements," said Colonel Smith.

Colonel Moore humbly attributed his success to three "families" that are "inextricably" linked together, his immediate family, church family and Air force family and thanked God for providing this incredible support structure.

"Through his guidance and all of your support, we've been truly blessed," said Colonel Moore.

Colonel Moore encouraged the squadron to continue to capitalize on the pride that was fostered together as a squadron, in each other, and in executing the mission.

His final words to his squadron before passing command to Colonel Stevens:

"Continue to strive for stability in all you do, and continue to insist on a safe and compliant maintenance culture, he said, I am confident this squadron is poised to reach far greater successes in the future."