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Linsenmeyer is new Operations Group commander

  • Published
  • By Technical Sgt. Doug Hays
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
Colonel Stephen J. (Fritz) Linsenmeyer, a resident of Kokomo, Ind., took command of the 434th Operations Group during a recent change of command ceremony at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind.

The 434th Operations Group consists of two flying squadrons and one support squadron. Its mission is to train and provide KC-135R Stratotanker aircrew members in support of the Air Force aerial refueling mission. 

In a typical year, operations group personnel will travel to numerous global destinations to carry out the KC-135R mission. 

Colonel Linsenmeyer graduated from John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio in 1981 and he received his commission following Officer Training School in December, 1981. He is a command pilot with more than 3800 flying hours and is a veteran of several military Operations including: Desert Storm, Allied Force, Northern Watch, Joint Forge, Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. 

His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Nationa Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. 

Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Douglas Hays
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Ben Mota
Public affairs operations chief

Master Sgt. Rachel Barton
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer