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New maintainer takes command

  • Published
  • By Capt. Brian Maguire
  • Capt. Brian Maguire
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Powell took command of the 451st Expeditionary Maintenance Group during an assumption of command ceremony here July 5.

The mission of the 451st EMXG is to enable a persistent, powerful airpower presence throughout the Afghanistan area of operations through world-class flightline, backshop and munitions support for close air support, tactical airlift, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, command and control and airborne datalink aircraft.

"I am in awe of what the MXG Airmen accomplish every day," said Powell, an Arlington, Mass., native. "You make the difficult look easy, and the complex seem simple."

He focused on the maintenance Airmen during his speech, after thanking leadership, mentors and his family for helping him reach his current position.

"As I look out at the formation, I see a diverse, motivated and tremendously talented group of professionals that despite the hardships and challenges perform miracles every day to keep the jets flying," the new commander said. "I feel honored and privileged to serve for and with you this coming year."

With operations to support and an air tasking order to meet, Powell kept his words short, and focused on the mission. "There's work to be done, so let's get back to the task at hand and keep the jets flying."