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76th AMXG welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  New 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group Commander Col. Doug Cato said his goal is to make the group "Code One" worthy. The term "Code One" refers to an aircraft landing without discrepancies.

Colonel Cato succeeded Col. Casey Hughson May 21 at a change-of-command ceremony held at Bldg. 3001's Dock 5 ½. Brig. Gen. Bruce Litchfield, 76th Maintenance Wing commander, presided over the ceremony. Approximately 400 people attended the event.

"This job is one that I take very seriously," Colonel Cato said. "I'm dedicated to continually improving the organization and our support to the warfighter."

Colonel Cato told the group that his goals are to: provide them with the tools they need to do the job, improve parts supportability and ensure members have the proper training. At the same time he asked the group to: promote safety and compliance to technical orders, ensure quality products on time and at the best value and to work together as a team with proper communication.

Prior to taking command of the 76th AMXG, Colonel Cato managed the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Plans and Program Directorate.

"Colonel Cato has an absolutely stellar reputation and a long list of magnificent accomplishments in the field, in [Air Force Materiel Command], and our Air Force at the top levels," General Litchfield said. "I just can't think of anyone more qualified to take this job, this position and I can't think of any more exciting times to be walking into this group."

Colonel Hughson leaves the aircraft maintenance group for Langley Air Force Base, Va., where he will become the chief of Munitions Division of the Logistics Directorate at Air Combat Command Headquarters.

"Casey, a measure of success I've always looked at for a commander is whether the unit is better off when you leave than when you arrived," the general said. "For any measure, you've been a huge success. There is no doubt in my mind that this unit is better off than when you arrived.

"You have a right to be proud of your accomplishments," General Litchfield said. "But, what I have learned from being around Casey is that he is not proud for himself; he's proud for the team that helped accomplish everything that was done in his tenure."

During Colonel Hughson's term, the 76th AMXG gained the C-130 Hercules and KC-10 Extender paint workload for the OC-ALC. In order to perform maintenance on the KC-10, the OC-ALC became the first Department of Defense location to receive Federal Aviation Administration's repair station certification. Several aircraft were returned to the warfighter earlier than scheduled.

As a result of his accomplishments, Colonel Hughson was awarded a meritorious service medal at the ceremony.

"My past two years have been absolutely extraordinary as commander of the 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group," Colonel Hughson said. "But, today isn't about me or the past accomplishments of the 76th AMXG, it's about change; a change in leadership and the bright future ahead of this group, this wing and this center."