TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group held a change of command ceremony Aug. 16, 2024, at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex.
Col. Timothy Beck relinquished command to Col. Fencisco Harris in a ceremony presided over by OC-ALC commander, Brig. Gen. Brian Moore.
Moore addressed Harris and said that he is the right officer at the right time to take the PMXG to even greater heights than before.
“It will also be on you to ensure our PMXG has a head start in our Great Power Competition by ensuring future viability,” Moore said. “As you lead this world-class maintenance group and continue to integrate across the enterprise, you’ll have the unwavering support from your fellow commanders in the ALC and, of course, the rest of our mission partners here.”
Beck was awarded the Legion of Merit during the ceremony to recognize his exceptional conduct and outstanding achievements during his two-year tenure as commander and addressed his group for the final time, citing their many achievements before addressing the incoming commander.
“There will be many obstacles along the way, and this experienced team you will lead is well prepared to embrace that challenge,” Beck said. “I know you will take the PMXG to new heights I wish you and your family and the PMXG team all the best.”
As Harris addressed his group for the first time, he made it clear that to him, leadership is not about one person but about working together to achieve a common goal.
“I am here to serve you, to support you, and to ensure that you have the resources and the environment you need to excel,” said Harris. “Your expertise, dedication and passion is our nations’ competitive advantage as we face Great Power Competition. I am committed to work as hard as I can to remove or elevate the obstacles and challenges that are in our way.”
In addition to families and friends of the commanders, Oklahoma Rep. for the 95th district, Max Wolfley, was in attendance, as well Team Tinker leadership, installation and 72nd Air Base Wing commander Col. Abby Ruscetta, 72nd Air Base Wing command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Gradel, and Col. Matthew Ghormley, 507th Air Refueling Wing commander.
The mission of the 76th PMXG is to deliver safe, reliable engines and components on time and on cost.