BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California –
Lt. Col. Maureen H. McAllen assumed command of the 940th Mission Support Group from Col. Roderick T. Grunwald during a change of command ceremony, Jan. 7, 2017, at Beale Air Force Base, California.
Col. Craig C. Peters, 940th Air Refueling Wing commander, was the presiding official. He spoke about the importance of the mission support group in the Air Force.
“While the Air Force is all about flying airplanes, that doesn’t happen without the support group,” Peters said. “There’s a lot to the support group; it’s a lot to manage.”
With that, he expressed about his confidence in McAllen to pick up where Grunwald left off and continue to lead the group.
“Roderick was that right person in the seat for our stamp of the wing, and Maureen is now that right person to take Roderick’s seat as we go forward,” Peters said. “We’re fortunate to have her.”
Prior to assuming command, McAllen was the 932nd MSG deputy commander at Scott AFB, Illinois. She was responsible for supporting the mission of the only distinguished visitor airlift unit in the Air Force Reserve through a variety of functions including infrastructure, services, logistics, personnel, communications and security.
During the ceremony, McAllen spoke about her new role and the mission support group’s responsibility during a time when our wing members are deploying.
“We’ve got some challenges ahead,” McAllen said. “Especially starting off with folks deploying, and taking care of them and their folks while they’re gone. It’s a time when the mission support really sees how we play a part in the total force mission.”
She also talked about her expectations and thanked Grunwald for what he is passing on to her.
“Hard work, teamwork, and accountability are what I look for and what I think makes a great unit,” McAllen said. “I want to thank you for such a tremendous group you’re handing over. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
Peters also thanked Grunwald for his achievements and impact on the group and wing.
Roderick took an organization with low stats and has turned it around to be the best organizations we have within the wing,” Peters said. “Thank you for that.”
The out-going commander reflected on his time here and expressed his gratitude to those he worked with.
“Initially, we set some high expectations,” Grunwald said. “But you responded and I’m proud of the success we’ve had together. You’ve taught me more than I could have hoped for and your example has forced me to push my limits as a commander.”
After handing the group to McAllen, Grunwald took command of the 349th MSG at Travis AFB, California.