552nd MOS Change of Command

Published July 16, 2010
By Ken LaFayette
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A ceremony on July 6 marked a change of command for the 552nd Maintenance Operations Squadron. Maj. Dwight D. Minnick passed the reigns of the squadron over to Maj. Alexander P. Ralston.

Major Ralston brings a breadth of aircraft maintenance experience the squadron having served two tours as a maintenance operations officer and direct flightline sortie-generation support for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft including the AC-130U, A-10, UH-1HP and Mi-17.

Before his assignment at Tinker he served as branch chief, Aircraft and Systems Maintenance, at Ramstien Air Base in Germany.

Major Ralston has a positive outlook for the 552nd MOS with a strong emphasis on becoming part of a great team that already exists .

"This squadron is diverse and very dynamic, said Major Ralston "It's an honor to serve as your commander," I am looking forward to knowing you and building a team to accomplish the mission."

Major Minnick shared words of appreciation and pride for his former squadron.

"I stand in awe on how you met the challenge over the past years," he said. "Continue to capitalize on the momentum you've achieved while making the necessary adjustments to provide the best support and continued success of the squadron."