New commander takes reins of 39 MDG

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jason Burton
  • 39th Air Base Wing, Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  This year's third and final group-level change of command took place Aug. 14 when Col. Michael Johnson assumed command of the 39th Medical Group from Col. Kimberly Cox during a ceremony in Hangar 4.

Colonel Johnson arrived at Incirlik from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., where he served as the 81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander.

Presiding over the ceremony was Col. Phil McDaniel, 39th Air Base Wing commander, whom welcomed Colonel Johnson and his family while foreshadowing things to come.

"To the men and women of the 39th Medical Group, Colonel Johnson is going to bring you some pretty incredible experience," Colonel McDaniel said. "He has an incredible track record of service to the Air Force. His expertise is extensive and he has a broad wealth of knowledge. He has worked all over the clinic and will bring some great perspectives."

After exchanging the guidon and assuming command, Colonel Johnson addressed his new group and members of Team Incirlik.

"I feel bad taking over now because many of the improvements Colonel Cox has put in place over the past three years are coming to fruition ... so she doesn't get to enjoy them, I do," he said.

He went on to explain his first impressions of this new assignment.

"This past week I have been observing the group and the base," said the colonel. "There is a power and enthusiasm at this base and it is exciting to be here. What I hope to do with the 39th Medical Group is harness that power and show that Incirlik is the best clinic in the Air Force."

During his closing remarks, Colonel Johnson offered a challenge to his Airmen.

"Always be happy with who you are ... always be proud of what you have accomplished, but never be satisfied with where you stand," he said. "If you are standing still you are falling behind because everyone is always moving forward."

Colonel McDaniel also recognized Colonel Cox and the many accomplishments of the 39 MDG under her leadership during her three years at the helm.

"Today is a sad day as we bid farewell to a good friend and a great leader," Colonel McDaniel said. "Colonel Cox has done an outstanding job of leading her group through some tough challenges ... and the 39th Medical Group rose to every one of them."

He added that Colonel Cox can leave Incirlik knowing her dedication and determination made a significant impact on the medical group and the wing.

Before the symbolic exchanging of the guidon, Colonel Cox addressed her medical Airmen one last time and offered words of encouragement to her replacement.

"I have enjoyed the honor and privilege of serving with the best medics in the Air Force," she said. "Mike, you and your family will enjoy a fantastic group as you lead this dynamic and exceptional organization forth into new heights of excellence. I wish you the best as you take the reins."

Incirlik is Colonel Johnson's 10th assignment during his 25-year Air Force career. He joined the Air Force in 1983 after receiving his Doctorate of Optometry from Ferris State College of Optometry located in Big Rapids, Mich.

Among his assignments, Colonel Johnson served as the 88th Aerospace Medicine Squadron deputy commander and Optometry Flight commander, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; the 436th Medical Operations Squadron deputy commander, Dover AFB, Del.; 759th Medical Support Squadron commander, Lackland AFB, Texas; 82nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander, Sheppard AFB, Texas; and the United States Air Force Academy Optometry Flight commander, Colorado Springs, Colo.