From Cali to Miami: Maintenance group commander assumes command

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Paul Dean
  • 482nd FW Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD ARB, Fla. --  The 482nd Fighter Wing Maintenance Group hosted an assumption of command ceremony Oct. 14. Col. Randy Falcon, 482nd FW commander, passed command of the group to Col. M.J. Giddings Jr.

Colonel Giddings' last assignment was commander, 940th Maintenance Group, 940th Air Refueling Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.

"Colonel Giddings is well aware that there's no better group of maintenance folks than those [here] today. He knows that we're at the top and he plans on keeping us there," said Colonel Falcon.

Colonel Giddings began his military career in 1972 as an enlisted communications electrician in the Navy. Following a break in service he attended officer training school at Lackland AFB, Texas. His past assignments include positions as a group commander, assistant director of wing plans, maintenance control officer and maintenance officer.

"[Colonel Giddings] has spent more than 20 years in aircraft maintenance. He knows his stuff," said Colonel Falcon.

Colonel Giddings expressed his gratitude to Colonel Falcon, thanked family, friends and other distinguished visitors, and addressed Airmen of the maintenance group.

"From prior visits I can tell each of you has a lot of pride and honor in the products you put out," said Colonel Giddings. "I also sense a high level of integrity and see how you respect each other. This is an attitude of team spirit that's hard to duplicate. Together we'll keep up the team spirit and continue to provide the quality level of maintenance you're already noted for."

Colonel Giddings replaced Col. T. Glenn Davis, who accepted an assignment with Air Force Reserve Command.