PCSing 76th CMXG commander brags about unit Published June 24, 2011 By Brandice J. O'Brien Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- He couldn't help but brag about his unit. Col. Herbert Phillips said he is extremely proud of the 76th Commodities Maintenance Group. From a seat at a small circular table in his office and armed with typed notes and a pen, the colonel eagerly talked about his unit's accomplishments and what he will take with him to his Pacific Air Forces assignment. "Over the past two years, I have watched the group excel in every metric," Colonel Phillips said. "Production, financial, quality and safety metrics were continually trending upwards. If a metric did begin to lag, our leadership team was quick to put together a team to investigate the root cause and implement corrective action." Colonel Phillips arrived at Tinker in July 2009 following a year-long assignment in southwest Asia. At his change of command, then-76th Maintenance Wing Commander Maj. Gen. Bruce Litchfield had warned the colonel of a workload increase. The colonel said he was ready for the challenge. With his impeccable organizational skills and a dedicated team of 2,400 mechanics, support personnel and supervisors, the group achieved astonishing feats and a fan in General Litchfield. "Colonel Phillips was exactly the right commander for the 76th CMXG at the right time," said General Litchfield, special assistant to the commander of Air Force Materiel Command. "His blend of leadership skills, on-target judgment, and superior intellect put him in a class by himself. The group has exceeded every and all expectations." Since Colonel Phillips' arrival, personnel have constantly been transferring buildings. Many relocated to Bldg. 9001 or Bldg. 3907's consolidated fuel overhaul, repair and testing facility, while keeping up with the mission. "We currently have close to 1,000 personnel moved into Bldg. 9001, encompassing 28 shops, and about 300 personnel relocated into Bldg. 3907." In March 2010, the group scored an excellent rating for the Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters Logistics Compliance Assessment Inspection. Yet, neither Colonel Phillips' leadership nor staff is surprised by the group's accomplishments. "Coach Jim Fassel, the celebrated New York Giants' head coach, once said, 'When all is said and done, I want more done than said.' Colonel Herb Phillips exemplifies these words in what he and his team have accomplished in the Air Force's most diverse and demanding commodities maintenance group," said Col. Cedric George, 76th MXW commander. "We will miss him and Peggy dearly and we wish them Godspeed as they head to PACAF Headquarters." Michael Wenzel, 76th CMXG deputy director, agreed. "Colonel Phillips is an extraordinary planner that likes to get it 'done right,'" he said. "He's the most organized person I've ever met. He'd dry run his own funeral if possible." During his Tinker tenure, Colonel Phillips said he gained a deep understanding of a depot's capabilities and how it ties in with the rest of the Air Force mission. He said by recognizing the complexity of the mission and the efforts of the personnel, his successor cannot go wrong. "Coming into this position, I had 20-plus years of experience in the field, base-level supply and aircraft maintenance, both in the continental United States and deployed. I have always known our Air Force depots have a wealth of experience and about the support they provide to the field activities. I could not fathom just how incredible it actually is," the colonel said. "I am extremely proud to be part of this team." Colonel Phillips' next assignment is at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, where he will be the PACAF Logistics Readiness Division chief. Colonel Phillips' change of command will be held at 10:30 a.m. June 30 at Bldg. 9001. For more information, call 736-7096.