New 552nd MXG commander

Brig. Gen. Lori Robinson, 552nd Air Control Wing commander, passes command of the 552nd Maintenance Group to Col. Lawrence Hinkin in an Assumption of Command ceremony July 1. The colonel will manage and coordinate all activities for more than 1,500 personnel in support of 32 E-3 aircraft valued at $9.6 billion.(Air Force photo by Kelly White)

552nd MXG gets new commander

Published July 18, 2008
By 2nd Lt. Kinder L. Blacke
552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Col. Lawrence W. Hinkin assumed command July 1 of the 552nd Maintenance Group in an official ceremony officiated by Brig. Gen. Lori Robinson, commander of the 552nd Air Control Wing.
   As commander, Colonel Hinkin will be responsible for managing and supervising the maintenance complex, consisting of two aircraft maintenance squadrons, a maintenance operations squadron and associated staff functions. Additionally, he will direct, manage, and coordinate all activities for over 1,500 personnel in support if 32 E-3 aircraft valued at $9.6 billion.
   During the ceremony, General Robinson lauded Col. Hinkin's "great track record of excellence" and then symbolically passed command of the group to him with the guidon.
   Col. Hinkin stated that "to be able to command at this level is truly a dream come true," and assured the wing that the 552nd Maintenance Group would continue to provide "the best possible aircraft they can fly."
   In wake of the recent Air Force leadership changes, Col. Hinkin reminded his Airmen not to lose sight of the mission and to keep all eyes on the ball.
   "I look at America's Wing as a wing of enablers--and it all starts right here with the 552nd Maintenance Group," he said.