New maintenance commander takes charge, pledges 'trust, loyalty' to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Capt. Heather Garrett
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Col. James Van Housen assumed command of the 302nd Maintenance Group during an assumption of command ceremony March 6 here. Colonel Van Housen, formerly the senior Individual Mobilized Augmentee to the 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group Commander, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker AFB, Okla., said he is excited and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the 302nd MXG.

"This is an exciting day for me. This assignment is a dream come true for me and my family," the colonel said. "I can't thank you enough for the warm welcome that everyone has given me since I arrived here at Peterson Air Force Base."

Col. Jay Pittman, Jr., commander of 302nd Airlift Wing, who presided over the ceremony, said "It is with a happy heart that I welcome Colonel Van Housen to the 302nd Airlift Wing. Thirty years after your graduation from Colorado State, you're back and that's very good."

Colonel Pittman continued, speaking on how Colonel Van Housen has embraced his position and is working hard to make a difference.

"I'm hearing comments that are 100 percent positive from outside your group," said Colonel Pittman. "People are very happy with your contribution, your involvement, your interest and we've already seen some positive changes ... you're a well-rounded package, you've gotten involved everywhere you can and for that I really thank you."

Colonel Van Housen spoke next, addressing the crowd of more than 120 about how this maintenance group commander position "has always been the most highly sought after job in the Air Force Reserve" and the number of reasons people seek this position.

"One of the reasons people want to take on this job is to live in beautiful Colorado Springs with Pikes Peak serving as the back-drop. Another is the mission of the 302nd [Maintenance Group] and the fleet of impressive, expertly-maintained C-130s. But perhaps the best reason to want this job is the chance to work with all of you. You've answered every call our nation has asked of you and you've done that professionally and selflessly."

The new commander made a few pledges to the wing regarding his leadership style.

"I pledge to give you my attention, my trust and my loyalty," the new maintenance group commander said. "You will always have access to me and I will be very visible to you." Later, he made it clear to members of the 302nd MXG and 52nd Airlift Squadron that he is "committed to seamless integration of the Active Duty and Reserve maintainers into one, cohesive team." He later addressed the wing's flying community on hand, saying "I am committed to maintaining and flying safe, reliable aircraft."

Colonel Van Housen closed his assumption of command speech by saying "I'm proud to be joining this team and I'm looking forward to working with you and for you, for hopefully many years to come."

The outgoing commander, Col. Mark Rodriguez, leaves the 302nd MXG to become the maintenance liaison officer for 10th Air Force, based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas.

Stay with www.302aw.afrc.af.mil for the latest news and information.