STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. -- Col. Maureen Murphy assumed command of the 109th Mission Support Group during a change of command ceremony here Feb. 4.
Murphy, a 30-year Air Force veteran, comes to the 109th from Joint Forces Headquarters where she served as the New York Air National Guard director of staff. She assumed command from Col. Jeffrey Hedges who has served as the MSG commander since 2014.
The change of command ceremony is deeply rooted in military tradition; it represents the transfer of responsibility from the ongoing commander to the incoming commander.
"I am thrilled to have Maureen come here as the next Mission Support Group commander," said Col. Shawn Clouthier, 109th Airlift Wing commander. "I think she'll be a great asset."
Hedges, a 30-year Air Force veteran, leaves the 109th to assume his new role as the NYANG director of staff. He has been at the 109th since 2010.
Hedges thanked the Airmen of the MSG for their dedication during his tenure, stating that "specific recognition" for the hard work of the MSG Airmen was both "proper and appropriate."
The ceremony was well attended by 109th Airmen, family members, and several military leaders from across New York, at both the wing and state level.
"I am humbled by the trust that (NYANG leadership has) placed in me to lead this extraordinary group of Airmen," said Murphy. "I will do everything in my power to live up to that trust, and I am honored to serve under you.
"Your knowledge, your sills, your dedication, and your pride in this base, and this mission was blinding ... In a really good way!" said Murphy addressing the MSG Airmen. "I could not be more proud to serve as your commander, and I am humbled by the responsibility."