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Russell assumes command of 434th MSG

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jami K. Lancette
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE Ind. --  Airmen from the six squadrons that make up the 434th Mission Support Group witnessed a long-standing military tradition as their new commander took charge.
Col. Scott Russell took command of the 434th MSG during an assumption of command ceremony here Aug 9.

Commanding a mission support group is familiar territory for Russell as he recently commanded the 459th MSG at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, where he was responsible for the training and readiness of more than 500 assigned personnel.

"I've got three priorities," said Russell. "Get the mission done, take care of your people and have a good time."

Russell assumed command of the 434th MSG which encompasses six squadrons and one flight including over 800 personnel with a mission to provide vital support to the 434th Air Refueling Wing.

"We've got the operational mission bringing fuel to the fight, as well as an expeditionary mission too," Russell added.

Russell began his Air Force career in 1979 when he enlisted as a security policeman. He later went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota in 1987 and, within that same year, commissioned as an officer.

Since then, Russell had been assigned to various locations around the world to include Cairo West Air Base, Egypt, as a deputy defense force commander and Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia, as a 320th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron commander.

Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander presided over the ceremony and told the audience that Russell was the right man at the right time to take command of the 434th MSG.

"Welcome to the team and we look forward to having you serve us, and also to serve you here as the commander of the 434th MSG," said Schwartz. "Welcome aboard."

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the globe in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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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:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer