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Mr. Barrett takes leadership of 76th PMXG

  • Published
  • By Kimberly Woodruff
  • Staff Writer
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Leadership of the 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group changed hands Monday and the group is now led by a civilian.

Michael W. Barrett, who was previously the group's deputy director, took over from Col. Stephen Petters during a change of command ceremony at Hollywood and Vine in Bldg. 3001. Brig. Gen. Mark Johnson, commander Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, presided over the ceremony.

"Changes in leadership are always bittersweet," said General Johnson. "Bitter in that we lose one great member of a team, and sweet in that we gain a new member with new perspectives and an anticipation of more great things to come."

The general said this ceremony was unique as there is probably a fair amount of continuity between these two leaders.

"It's about executing the mission, leading people, managing resources, and improving the organization. For leaders, it's a chance to reaffirm our commitment to those responsibilities. For those that we support, a chance to reaffirm our support for the leadership."   General Johnson said Mr. Barrett has delivered consistent results that are the bedrock of his credibility and are the reason he takes command.

"He's the key player making sure we deliver the right results the right way," the general said. "I have full confidence that Mike is the absolute right man for the job to continue the momentum that Colonel Petters has established and to achieve new Art of the Possible results that our warfighting customers and our Air Force need so much."

Mr. Barrett said being selected as PMXG director has been a highlight of his career.

"We transformed ourselves from a firefighting organization to an analylitical, methodical, transparent organization focused on the [Contiuous Process Improvement] tools to provide better support for the warfighter," he said. "It is a good time to be part of the PMXG team."

Mr. Barrett thanked Colonel Petters for his leadership on behalf of the group.

"Men and women of 76th PMXG, we owe it to the warfighter, taxpayer and ourselves to take it to the next level," said Mr. Barrett. "My job will be relatively easy. I just have to choose the right vector and more than 1,500 men and women will provide more than ample thrust. I'm looking forward to PMXG redefining what Art of the Possible really means to us in the years to come."

Colonel Petters' next assignment takes him to the Defense Logistics Agency in Virginia. General Johnson said there's no doubt PMXG improved with Colonel Petters in charge.

"Under his leadership he brought the F-135 workload from nothing more than an idea to delivering engines to ensure the U.S. Marine Corps could meet their mission requirements," General Johnson said.

Some of Colonel Petters' accomplishments as 76th PMXG commander were the successful reduction in flowdays of the F108 and F101 and a new gated process for the TF33. Additionally, he led a direct materials savings and cost avoidance of $26 million and a first Outstanding rating during the LCAP inspector general inspection, to name a few.

"You've delivered on all accounts and I couldn't be more proud of you and your success," said the general. "Candy and I wish you and your family all the best as you transition to DLA in northern Virginia. You'll take that organization to heights they don't know are possible. Thank you for your leadership, your service and a job well done."
Thanking members of PMXG, the supply chain and industry partners, Colonel Petters said he's humbled.

"We all work for the guys flying, maintaining and putting the sorties on the ramp, in the air and defending our country," he said. "Never wonder that what you do makes a difference. Know every day that what we do matters."