16th MSG hosts change of command ceremony

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kelly Ogden
  • 16th SOW Public Affairs
The 16th Mission Support Group changed commanders during a ceremony here July 14 in Commando Hangar.

Col. Michael Smietana took command from Col. Clifford "Skip" Day, who is leaving to become the director of security forces protection division at headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

"Two years ago when I took command I spoke for 58 seconds, because I hadn't done a thing yet," said Colonel Day. "Two years later, I realized that I still haven't done anything. It's been the men and women of the 16th MSG who have accomplished everything, not me."

"There are two big events that have taken place here during my command that have made me extremely proud," said Colonel Day. "I was fairly new here and I was just getting used to how the support group worked when Hurricane Ivan struck.

“As the hurricane came closer, it came time to move our mission out of town, other bases don't do that. We moved our entire package out of here, flawlessly.

"My second milestone is when the group was getting ready for the operational readiness inspection," said Colonel Day. "Col. (Norman) Brozenick wanted to test the wing, and we thought that we were good; turns out we were pretty bad. Six months later, like a phoenix rising from the ashes we came back, it was awesome."

After Colonel Day closed with his remarks, the men and women of the 16th MSG saluted their new commander for the very first time.

"I am honored by this new responsibility," said Colonel Smietana. "Becoming the new 16th MSG commander is a daunting task, but I am up for the challenge."

"Our group is the backbone for winning the global War on Terrorism," said Colonel Smietana. "Everyone at Hurlburt deserves the best support possible. This MSG, under my command, will provide that support."

Colonel Smietana's past assignments include a one-year tour as chief of the housing division office of civil engineers at Headquarters United States Air Force, the senior military assistant to the assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics at the Pentagon from June 2004 to July 2005. He was also commander of the 305th Civil Engineer Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., from June 2002 to June 2004.