TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Col. Robert A. Kielty assumed command of the 848th Supply Chain Management Group in a formal ceremony July 28.
Comprised of four squadrons, the 848th Supply Chain Management Group provides supply chain life cycle sustainment supporting the fight for today’s engines, instruments, accessories and structures. All efforts in support of the 32 major weapon systems including the B-1, B-52, KC-135, E-3, as well as over 12,000 engines, such as the F100, F110, F119 and TF33.
The new commander, a career logistics readiness officer, will provide oversight for a group of approximately 660 Airmen, both military and civilian, and will have an annual budget of $2.7 billion.
“[Colonel Kielty] is always energetic to accomplish the mission and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the mission done,” Frank Washburn, director of the 448th Supply Chain Management Wing, said. “He has earned this opportunity. It is an enormous scope of responsibility, and we are grateful and delighted that he’s a part of our team.”
Ecstatic and humbled to be entrusted with the charge of command, Colonel Kielty emphasized the importance of each team member taking care of their health - their physical, mental and spiritual health - in order to “bring our best selves to work every day.” He stressed the importance of taking care of family, both immediate and Air Force, and reinforced the importance of taking care of the mission, an absolute no-fail mission “that requires us to bring our A game to work every day.”
“This organization is firing on all cylinders,” Colonel Kielty expressed. “I look forward to working tirelessly to support you. I strive to lead by example and work very hard to eliminate any road blocks that get in the way of supporting the warfighter. I look forward to being your commander, to meeting you and learning from you in the coming weeks.”
Formerly the executive officer of the Air Force Sustainment Center, Commander Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II, Colonel Kielty supported three air logistics complexes, three air base wings, two supply chain wings and 23 geographically separated operating locations to provide supply chain management, operations, depot maintenance and modifications, and sustainment to the warfighter. Prior to his role in the commander’s office, Colonel Kielty served as the deputy director for Retail Operations within the Supply Chain Management Integrated Process Team. He also has two command tours with the 319th Logistics Readiness and the 436th Supply Chain Operations Squadron.