Maj. Punches to lead 422nd SCMS Published July 23, 2009 By Kathy E. Paine Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Maj. Craig Punches assumed command of the 422nd Supply Chain Management Squadron on July 17 during a traditional assumption of command ceremony. In front of many members of his new command Major Punches assumed the total responsibility of that squadron. Major Punches succeeds Lt. Col. Kelly Florek, who recently retired. "Command is not automatic. You have to have a proven track record and demonstrate ability and the potential to handle the responsibility to be a successful leader. Major Punches has done that and today we celebrate his selection to command," said Col. Luis Rosa-Berrios. Major Punches will continue the mission of the 422nd Supply Chain Management Squadron, which is to sustain weapon systems worldwide by providing supply chain management life cycle support to include developing enterprise demand and supply plans; developing and implementing sourcing strategies; executing the supply plan and executing cognizant design engineering authority to meet customer requirements for instruments-related commodity items. "The 422nd SCMS is one of our vital squadrons in the group and is already becoming one of the go-to organizations in the wing. There are 153 people making up seven flights and managing more than 4,900 subgroup masters in a sense, valued at nearly $1 billion. So far this year the squadron has reduced back orders by more than 1,000 units and MICP hours by 14,000 hours. Pretty impressive figures for this squadron and it is all due to the hard work and dedication of all the squadron personnel and their pride in what they do every day to support our warfighters," said Colonel Rosa-Berrios. "Your hard work and determination is what help us in uniform to continue to pursue the mission of our country. It's the parts that we push everyday that get on those airplanes to help us accomplish our mission," said Major Punches.