28th Mission Support Group changes command

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joshua Stevens
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Col. Scott Vander Hamm, 28th Bomb Wing Commander, officiated over the 28th Mission Support Group change of command ceremony in Dock 33, Aug. 1, where Col. Michael Yuill assumed command from Col. Renita Alexander.

Colonel Yuill was previously stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., as the deputy commander of the 612th Air and Space Operations Center. He has more than 3,600 combined flying hours as a command pilot of B-52, T-37, T-38A and B-1B airframes. Some of his major awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster and Air Force Achievement Medal.

"My goal [as commander] is to provide the absolute best support to the men and women of the 28 BW," Colonel Yuill said. "They continue to provide rapid and decisive airpower to win our nation's wars. Our Airmen in the groups of the 28 BW are in the fight inside and outside the wire; these warriors deserve the best support."

The people of the 28 MSG have already made lasting impressions upon their new commander.

"I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with unit leadership and the personnel who conduct the mission daily," he said. "They are highly motivated, knowledgeable, professional and dedicated - I could not ask for a better group of people."

Thanking all who attended the change of command, Colonel Yuill expressed his gratitude for them, as well as Colonel Alexander's leadership of the 28 MSG during her two-year tour here.

"Colonel Alexander built a great organization which is very disciplined, dedicated and totally committed to supporting the 28 BW," Colonel Yuill said. "Her strong leadership is evident in the professional conduct of the members of the 28 MSG. She faced numerous challenges large in scope and importance; the results were superb."

After a near 27-year career, Colonel Alexander is retiring from active-duty service. In her last position as commander of the 28 MSG, she was responsible for seven squadrons composed of approximately 1,600 members responsible for installation security, communications, personnel support, contracting, logistical readiness, civil engineering and base services for nearly 8,000 military and civilian personnel and their families.

"The men and women of the 28 MSG made every customer's experience a positive one," Colonel Alexander said. "It is my supreme honor to close my active-duty career as your wing commander."