552nd MXG welcomes back a familiar face as new commander Published June 24, 2010 By John Stuart Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- On a warm and muggy day in the Sooner State, Col. Stella Smith assumed command of the 552nd Maintenance Group June 18. Col. Patricia Hoffman, 552nd Air Control Wing commander, presided over the change of command as scores of Airmen packed into the E-3 aircraft hangar. Colonel Smith succeeded Col. Lawrence Hinkin, who is transferring to be the deputy director of logistics at Air Force Space Command. "We have two big challenges in our wing," Colonel Hoffman said, "Everyone wants E-3 AWACS aircraft everywhere all the time and our aircraft are getting old, so they need more maintenance than they did in the past. Colonel Hinkin did a great job of meeting those challenges, making our aircraft available when and where they were needed. He led his Airmen to have not only the necessary professional skill to maintain our aircraft, but also a great spirit of enthusiasm and positive attitude -- exactly what we need in our busy wing. (Colonel Hinkin), great work, well done. I wish you and Karen a great run at Air Force Space Command." Colonel Smith entered the Air Force in 1989 and from 2007-2009 was the deputy commander of the 552nd MXG at Tinker, before going to Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., in July 2009. "I'm truly honored to have your confidence," Colonel Smith said. "Men and women of the maintenance group I know you make the mission happen every day, at home and throughout the world. I know you're dedicated to providing safe, reliable aircraft. I'm counting on each of you to help this group achieve new heights of excellence and I have the confidence you will." Colonel Hinkin leaves the group following a stand-out time as commander. Colonel Hinkin received a Meritorious Service Medal, Sixth Oak Leaf Cluster for his performance while commander. Under his tutelage the 552nd MXG supported 33,000 E-3 flying hours, participated in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, had a remarkably low 2 percent repeat or recur discrepancy rate and boasted the highest aircraft fix rate in nine years, among other accomplishments. "You all have my profound respect and my gratitude and my admiration," Colonel Hinkin said while addressing his Airmen a final time. "You rode the vision that I set when I first got here all the way through, and you didn't give up till we achieved victory. I could not be more proud of a group of people anywhere anytime."