552nd ACW squadrons welcome new commanders Published July 19, 2011 By Ken LaFayette Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Four squadrons in the 552nd Air Control Wing have welcomed new commanders in the past few weeks. 552nd MXS A ceremony June 29 marked a change of command for the 552nd Maintenance Squadron. Maj. Kelley C. Stevens passed the reigns of the squadron to Maj. Louis G. Stewart. Col. Stella T. Smith, 552nd Maintenance Group commander and presiding officer, applauded Major Stevens for her focus to the squadron's mission during her tenure as commander. Major Stewart is no stranger to the 552nd MXG. He was assigned as a maintenance officer in the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in 2008. "In that role he proved himself to be a brilliant maintenance officer and an unflappable leader of impeccable character," said Colonel Smith. Major Stewart has a positive outlook for the 552nd MXS and seeks to establish a prideful culture into his squadron "I take pride in making aircraft available to meet the flying-hour program, I take pride in meeting the long term sustainment requirements of the E-3 and most of all I take pride in taking care of the people that make that mission happen," he said. The new commander also reminded his squadron of the challenges that remain ahead. "We do have challenges ahead of us: the UCI, a changing fiscal environment and a changing enemy," he said. "What that means to us is we need to get better every day or risk falling behind. "I'm excited for the opportunity to serve as your commander," said Maj Stewart. Colonel Smith said under Major Stevens' command the squadron reacted immediately when it got the call to generate aircraft for Operation Odyssey Dawn, supporting NATO's efforts in Libya. The colonel also said Major Stevens "has diligently prepared the squadron for the upcoming UCI, and I'm sure her prep work is going to pay off." Major Stevens expressed gratitude and appreciation to her former squadron. "The men and women of the Maintenance Squadron are amazing. Thank you for all you do and all you have taught me, both technically and professionally," she said 552nd AMXS For the second time in two days, Colonel Smith presided over a change of command ceremony involving now-Lt. Col. Kelley Stevens. Colonel Stevens took command of the 552nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, replacing Lt. Col. Brian R. Moore. "(Colonel Stevens) has proven her mettle, she has demonstrated her understanding of maintenance, her effective leadership style and I have no doubt that she will continue the superb legacy built under Colonel Moore," said Colonel Smith. Colonel Stevens humbly accepted command and acknowledged the team effort that allowed her to achieve the position as commander. "My career has been full of very smart and amazingly patient, supervisors, commanders, chiefs, NCOs and Airmen who never missed an opportunity to teach me lessons I carry with me every day," said Colonel Stevens. Addressing her squadron for the first time, Colonel Stevens used a quote from Aristotle to challenge the squadron. "'We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit,'" she said, "I challenge each of you to develop a habit of excellence in everything you do from aircraft maintenance to being a supervisor and leader. "I hope you all will join me in my enthusiasm and passion for developing and taking care of our Airmen and executing the mission," said Colonel Stevens. Colonel Smith applauded Colonel Moore on his work ethic, dedication, energy and passion for taking care of people and business. "He made it clear from day one in command that he wanted to help the squadron embrace and express the pride which they deserve for the amazing accomplishments they achieve on these old aircraft in the crazy Oklahoma elements," said Colonel Smith. Colonel Moore attributed his success to three "families" that are "inextricably" linked together, his immediate family, church family and Air Force family and thanked God for providing this incredible support structure. "Through his guidance and all of your support, we've been truly blessed," he said. Colonel Moore encouraged the squadron to continue to capitalize on the pride that was fostered together as a squadron, in each other, and in executing the mission. "Continue to strive for stability in all you do, and continue to insist on a safe and compliant maintenance culture," he told his squadron before passing command to Colonel Stevens. "I am confident this squadron is poised to reach far greater successes in the future." 552nd OSS Lt. Col. Joshua W. Conine accepted command of the 552nd Operations Support Squadron from Lt. Col. Alain D. Poisson in a June 30 ceremony. Col. Gregory D. Roberts, 552nd Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony and applauded both officers for their "brilliant leadership and teamwork." He summed up their efforts with a quote from retired Gen. Omar Bradley "The greatness of a leader is measured by the achievements of the led. This is the ultimate test of his effectiveness." Colonel Poisson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to command the squadron and said he felt truly honored to have worked side-by-side with such incredible leaders and outstanding airmen. "I've always been told that the key to success is to surround yourself with good people," he said. "What's great about the OSS is that you're surrounded by 364 of the best people." Taking his place is Colonel Conine, who, according to Colonel Roberts, has proven his battle management expertise in the E-3 in assignments at Tinker and Kadena Air Base, Japan. "You bring both continuity and recent deployed operations command experience to this job," said Colonel Roberts. Colonel Conine is no stranger to the squadron where he recently served as director of operations. He is grateful for the trust and confidence the commander sees in him and said he is humbled and honored to take command of the squadron. After receiving command from Colonel Roberts, Colonel Conine addressed his squadron for the first time. "What I ask of you is to embrace new challenges and continue to make changes for the good of the group," he said. "We must be humble of our responsibilities and remember who is counting on us. The bottom line is that we will achieve this as a team." 960th AACS Members of the 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron welcomed Lt. Col. Michael S. Smith as their newest commander in an assumption of command ceremony July 7. Col. Gregory D. Roberts, 552nd Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony and had nothing but praises for his new squadron commander. "Colonel Smith performed brilliantly as a leader throughout his career and his E-3 credentials are rock solid," he said, "Vikings, as Lt. Col. Smith takes command today, rest assured that he will lead you with integrity; that he will place service to you before himself; and that he will demand excellence from you in all you do." Colonel Smith was grateful for the opportunity to command the "Vikings" and was one of the original members of the squadron when it reactivated in 2001. He attributed this moment to family, friends, past and present mentors. "I'm honored to be going back to where it started," he said, "Nobody gets here by themselves." After receiving the guidon and responsibility for the squadron, Colonel Smith addressed the men and women of the 960th. "The Vikings have a special place in my heart; this is where I cut my spurs," he said, "you've come a long way since then; I look forward to leading, mentoring and taking you out on the road and showing the world what the Vikings can do in combat."