by Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
23rd Wing Public Affairs
7/21/2009 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- History takes place once again as a group with a rich and illustrious heritage receives a new leader during a change of command ceremony here.
Col. Ellwood Hinman IV took reigns of the 23rd Fighter Group from Col. Michael O'Dowd, who will be moving to the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing.
"To the Flying Tigers of the 23rd Fighter Group, I am very proud to join you as a fellow member of this premier organization," said the new commander. "The opportunity to lead Airmen, to command the 23rd FG, to join the proud heritage and storied legacy of the Flying Tigers, to fly the A-10 again, to live in Valdosta and to become part of the special relationship between the base and the community is almost too good to be true."
Before Colonel O'Dowd officially handed over command of the 23rd FG, he thanked his Airmen for their hard work over the past two years.
"I declare with great admiration and pride toward each of you--mission accomplished and exceptionally well done," he said. "You are at home within the sound of the guns and it was in the call to battle these past two years that your greatest moments availed."
During Colonel Hinman's previous assignment, he served as a policy advisor to the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. From 2006 to 2007, he attended the Marine Corps War College in Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., and was a distinguished graduate. He is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours in the A-10, T-37, F-117A and T-38.
"Colonel Hinman's consistent outstanding performance and varied background make him uniquely qualified to lead this group," said Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander. "His experiences flying several different aircraft and working with our joint and coalition partners are notable."
During Colonel Hinman's speech, he revealed his vision for the 23rd FG.
"As your commander, building 'people first' leaders, 'safety first' operations and 'integrity first' Airmen will be my top priority," said Colonel Hinman. "It is through our collective commitment to these principles and to those from our past that will allow us to succeed."
The 23rd FG directs the flying operations for the largest combat-coded A-10 fighter organization in the Air Force, consisting of two 24-aircraft, combat-ready A-10C Thunderbolt II squadrons and an operations support squadron.
The group ensures overall combat readiness of more than 80 pilots and 135 operations support personnel and plans and executes worldwide contingency taskings in coordination with 23rd Wing rescue assets.
In addition, the group is responsible for all Moody airfield operations, encompassing more than 5,500 square miles of airspace and more than 75,000 operations, as well as Grand Bay Aerial Gunnery Range operations.
"It's absolutely essential that we remain fully combat-ready," said Colonel Hinman. "It's also paramount that we put safety first and foremost as we train and prepare for future deployments."
Colonel Hinman has master's degrees in arts, political science and public administration from Midwestern State University, Texas, in addition to a bachelor's degree in science from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.
The colonel and his wife, Jennifer, have three sons, Parker, Hunter and Chase.
"Jennifer and I are honored and stand ready to serve the fine men and women of this outstanding organization," said Colonel Hinman. "I look forward to leading you and working in partnership with the 476th Fighter Group and with fellow group commanders in the 23rd Wing."
Airmen salute as the Moody Air Force Honor Guard presents the colors during a change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. Col. Michael O'Dowd relinquished command of the 23rd Fighter Group to Col. Ellwood Hinman IV. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)
Colonel Michael O'Dowd, 23rd Fighter Group outgoing commander, hands over the guidon to Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, at the 23rd FG change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. Colonel O'Dowd has been the 23rd FG commander for two years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)
Colonel Ellwood Hinman IV, 23rd Fighter Group incoming commander, receives the guidon from Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, during the 23rd FG change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. The 23rd FG directs the flying operations of the largest A-10 fighter organization in the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)
Colonel Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, and Col. Michael O'Dowd, 23rd Fighter Group outgoing commander, applaud after Col. Ellwood Hinman IV took reigns of the 23rd FG change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)
Colonel Ellwood Hinman IV, 23rd Fighter Group incoming commander, gives his remarks after accepting command from Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, at the 23rd FG change of command ceremony here July 20, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)
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