TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Col. Mark Vitantonio took the helm of the 72nd Mission Support Group, as outgoing commander Col. Michael Green relinquished duties in a formal ceremony at the Tinker Club June 14.
Presiding over the ceremony was 72nd Air Base Wing commander Col. Kenyon Bell. Green, with a strong security forces background, demonstrated multifaceted abilities that contributed to success in leading the MSG. Most present was his ability to see problems beyond the force protection lens allowing him to anticipate challenges before their arrival.
“For this specific location and time,” Bell said, “you were the right man at the right time. You have led well and earned the right to pass this flag on, as we welcome another great Airman.”
Noting some of his most prominent accomplishments during his two-year tour with the 72nd MSG, Colonel Bell spoke to the magnitude of Green’s involvement as a mentor with the Company Grade Officers. In the last two years, the CGOC has seen an increase of 159 percent in participation, resulting in Tinker’s CGOC being named the best of 41 bases in the western region. Participation has expanded both with company grade officers as well as working more colonels into the mix of mentorship, largely due to the direct involvement of Green.
Separately, Bell acknowledged the prestige in Green’s successful partnership with ABW logistics professionals. With their help, the outgoing commander led teams deploying more than 2,400 Airmen and 1.7 tons of cargo moved with a 99.99 percent accuracy rating. Bell also commented on his impeccable talents of managing money.
“Ensuring that no non-appropriated fund activities were flagged for poor performance, [Green] fought for $850,000 in renovations and improvements to the track, gyms and softball fields,” the installation commander said. Improving the structural quality is critical, but more so the improvements contributed to a better quality of life for the nearly 29,000 Airmen, Sailors and families who call Tinker home.
In regards to base security, the Group leader acquired $6.7 million in anti-terrorism and force protection enhancements at the base installation entry points, $1.5 million in security forces equipment, and $228,000 to replace a camera system, creating an unrivaled security presence on base.
Several of his other achievements were highlighted in his Legion of Merit medal presentation to include how he supported other mission partners in achieving 41,588 flying hours and returning 250 aircraft, 530 engines and 100,000 aircraft components back to the warfighter. Also under Green’s leadership was the integration of a new deployment processing center, which increased capacity by 600 percent through facilitation of 2,300 Airmen and 1.2 tons of cargo in support of combatant command priorities.
“I’m extremely proud of the advancements made,” Green noted. “I had a steep learning curve and I’m truly amazed at what you all did while keeping me up to speed. The impact of positive change will be felt for decades, and your efforts are not missed or taken for granted.”
With a newfound appreciation and passion for all things in the Force Support and Logistics Readiness squadrons, the outgoing commander looks forward to putting the beret back on as he joins the ACC staff in Virginia as the top cop.
“Thank you for the opportunity to grow and learn with each of you,” he said. “It has been my absolute honor to be on your team.”
Passing the reins, Green expressed utmost confidence leaving the Group in the hands of Vitantonio, who is geared up and ready to go.
“[Colonel Bell], I cannot wait to work with you. I am excited that the Tinker family is going to be our new family,” Vitantonio expressed.
“There’s a confidence – [Colonel Green] has set me up so well,” the new MSG commander stated. “I hope to carry out all the things he has done. It’s a humbling realization of trust imparted to me. I can promise to protect the base and its people, to connect and to respect, and I’m excited to get to work.”
Colonel Vitantonio comes to Tinker from Barksdale Air Force Base, where he most recently served as the deputy MSG commander. Leading the team in winning the Air Force’s Commander in Chief Excellence award, Barksdale was dubbed the best base in the Air Force under Vitantonio’s leadership.
A career logistics officer, Vitantonio’s background is different from the defender in his predecessor. Bell’s confidence in the keenly qualified commander was present as he charged Vitantonio with four things: execute the mission, lead the people, manage the resources and make the place better.