Grissom welcomes new Maintenance Group commander

Published June 12, 2017
By Senior Airman Harrison Withrow
434 ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR FORCE BASE, Ind. -- Deeply rooted in military tradition since the middle ages, change of command ceremonies afford service members the opportunity to witness the symbolic passing of the torch in the presence of friends, family members and fellow Airmen.

Lt. Col. Dwight Meese became the new 434th Maintenance Group commander during the assumption of command ceremony held in Dock 1 on June 4.

Meese filled the position which was left vacant after the retirement of Colonel Anna Schulte, who oversaw the 434th MXG for the past 3 years.

Meese has big shoes to fill as he inherits the reputation which the 434th MXG holds throughout the world, said Colonel Larry Shaw, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander.

“I can truly claim that the 434th MXG has earned the recognition they enjoy as being one of, if not the best MXG in the Air Force,” said Shaw. “Today, I am proud to add another valuable player to this team.”

Meese came to the 434th from March Air Reserve Base, California, where he was the MXG deputy commander. He has commanded three squadrons and has gone on multiple deployments.

“I charge him now to continue to lead this group with excellence and dedication to the mission and to the safety of our Airmen,” said Shaw. “Meese has vast experience in the Air Mobility mission, and I have complete confidence in his ability to command this group with distinction, dedication, and determination.”

Meese expressed his excitement to be working with the 434th and his eagerness to continue the work of his predecessor.

“My wife and I have been on station exactly one month today and it has already been one of the best experiences of our lives,” said Meese. “You have a great thing going here, and I intend to keep it that way.”

During his speech, Meese laid out his agenda for the MXG, focusing on continuing the group’s safety record and preparing for deployments in the near future.

“I will work hard to earn your trust and will take every opportunity available to support my Airmen,” he said. “I am grateful for your dedication and I am honored to serve as your commander.”

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

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Grissom welcomes new Maintenance Group commander

Public Affairs Staff