Mission Support Group has new commander

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Col. Mark Burns assumed command of the 35th Mission Support Group in a change of command ceremony at 8 a.m. at Hangar 949 Aug. 10.

Colonel Burns took over from Col. Arnold Holcomb who ended a two-year tour here as commander of the MSG. He will serve next as the chief of Supply Chain Management Division, Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon, Washington D.C.

"I am very excited to be back in Misawa," said Colonel Burns who was stationed here before as the 14th Fighter Squadron assistant operations officer and chief of wing safety and inspector general for inspections. "It has been seven years since I left and the improvements to the base and the city are remarkable. I have always considered Misawa as one of my most enjoyable assignments due to the wonderful people here who get the mission done with excellence. The relationship between the Japanese and the residents of Misawa Air Base has always been strong and I am amazed by the many new programs implemented that continually enhance our bilateral relationships."

His group of more than 2,500 Airmen and Department of Defense employees provides day-to-day mission support to more than 13,500 military, civilian, dependent and retired members and associate units.

"I am in the enviable position of commanding one of the best mission support groups in the Air Force," said Colonel Burns. "My goals are to continue the wonderful traditions and level of excellence already well established in the MSG. Through hard work, we can enhance the way we accomplish the mission and take care of our Airmen and families. I look forward to developing the creative ideas of the 35th MSG team and the entire base in this regard."

Colonel Burns believes that success and commitment in accomplishing the mission as a team, starts with each individual Airman, he said. So, he will challenge each Airman in his group to find ways to improve themselves professionally and personally to enhance the overall team.

"One Team, One Fight" is the motto of MSG and the colonel's span of control includes civil engineer, contracting, communication, logistics readiness, mission support, security forces and services squadrons.

Before coming to Misawa, Colonel Burns previously commanded the 332nd Joint Operations Squadron, Tallil and Balad Air Bases, Iraq.

He is looking forward to his wife, Magali and their new son, William Patrick's arrival in the fall because of the unique community spirit here and a strong warrior ethos throughout the 35th Fighter Wing, he said.

His major awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal.