Mission Support Group welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Steve Germann
  • 512th Airlift Wing
A former group commander from an air refueling wing took command of the 512th Mission Support Group during an assumption-of-command ceremony Sept. 10 here at the Landings Club. 

Col. Elaine K. Barron replaced Col. William Stephens, who is now in command of the 910th Mission Support Group, 910th Airlift Wing, Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio.
Col. David H. Wuest, 512th Airlift Wing vice commander, hosted the ceremony and offered the group of family, friends and servicemembers a taste of what Colonel Barron has in store at her new job. 

"She is hereby charged with the critical mission of leading the men and women of the 512th Mission Support Group, of guiding and inspiring these extraordinary sons and daughters of America, and of molding them into future leaders of our Air Force," Colonel Wuest said. 

In turn, Colonel Barron pledged her support of the wing's new vision statement, which emphasizes professional and military readiness on a global scale. 

"I'll stand ready to assist Airmen in preparedness, training and support," she said.
Colonel Wuest acknowledged that the job of MSG commander is both challenging and vitally important to the Air Force Reserve and to Dover Air Force Base. 

"It was with these lofty standards in mind that I selected Colonel Barron for the job," he said. "It is with the greatest confidence and the utmost faith that I entrust the stewardship of these dedicated people and the reigns of this command to (her)." 

Colonel Barron came to Dover from her former assignment as commander of the 939th Mission Support Group at Portland International Airport, Portland, Ore.