Bailey takes command of 176th Mission Support Group

  • Published
  • By David Bedard
  • 176th Wing Public Affairs

Alaska Air National Guard Lt. Col. Keolani Bailey took command of the 176th Mission Support Group during a May 21, 2018, change-of-command ceremony here.

 

Bailey succeeded Col. Marvin Ee, who is retiring after 24 years of service.

 

The 176 MSG provides wartime and peacetime mission support of deployment operations, construction, facility maintenance, security, contracting, communications and information services, supply, transportation, personnel support, and services for the 176th Wing.

 

Most recently, Bailey served as the deputy director, Air National Guard Forces, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

 

Brig. Gen. Darrin Slaten, 176th Wing commander, presided over the ceremony and spoke about the accomplishments of the group under Ee's command.

 

“Marvin started his tenure here shortly before the wing took on the largest transformation in its history and likely the largest in Air National Guard history,” Slaten said.

 

During Ee's command, the wing divested its C-130H Hercules fleet, became the first Air National Guard unit to field HC-130J Combat King IIs, and the first Air National Guard to enter into an association with an active duty unit as the lead and owning element for C-17 Globemaster III operations.

 

Ee said the group accomplished much under his command owing to the character of Airmen under his command.

 

“I could count on all of you for trustworthiness, for integrity,” Ee said. “All of you are so dedicated to getting the task at hand done. It has been such an honor serving with you.”

 

Slaten said the 176th Logistics Readiness Squadron was known for its esprit de corps while under Bailey's command, and the general expects he will bring the same leadership to the group.

 

“We are looking forward to having you back home providing that motivation to us all,” Slaten said.

Bailey voiced his expectations for the group.

 

“However far away from the tip of the spear you might think you are, we need you to give your best and to become an expert in your arena, not only here in a JBER environment, but, more importantly, down range in the agile, under-fire threat environment,” Bailey said.

 

The new commander said he felt it was his duty to serve Airmen of the group, listening to and learning from them, supporting and empowering them.

 

“I look forward to serving together united in a common cause – a culture of trust and teamwork as we work to get the mission done,” he said.