New commander takes charge of 301st Maintenance Group

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melissa Harvey
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas --  A new commander took the reins of the 301st Maintenance Group during an assumption of command ceremony held Sunday, Aug. 4 in the wing hangar.
Colonel James C. Van Housen assumed command of the 301st MXG, which had previously been led by Colonel Max Stitzer.

During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Ronald B. Miller, 301st Fighter Wing commander, welcomed Col. Van Housen to the wing and spoke about his experience as the commander of the 302nd Maintenance Group at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. After which, the new group commander addressed his Airmen for the first time.

"I'm excited and I'm humbled, to be given the opportunity to lead the 301st Maintenance Group," said Col. Van Housen. "Your reputation for outstanding maintenance is well known throughout the Air Force. No other unit can match what you have accomplished. You've answered every call our nation has asked of you, and you've done that professionally and selflessly."

As members of the 301st MXG stood in formation, Van Housen made a commitment to support them.

"I pledge to give you my attention, my trust, and my loyalty," he said. "I will be your strongest advocate and your fiercest support. You will always have access to me and I will very visible to you. I am committed to continuing the seamless integration of the active and reserve maintainers into one cohesive team. But most of all, I am committed to maintaining and flying safe reliable aircraft."

The experience that Col. Van Housen brings with him from the 302nd MXG, where he integrated 108 active duty members into the group, will be beneficial to his new unit.

"I've heard great things regarding Col. Van Housen's management and leadership style from personnel who have known him for many years," said Master Sgt. Elizabeth McCowan, 301st MXG group personnel manager. "I'm looking forward to what his leadership will bring to our unit."

One way the new commander has already begun fulfilling his pledge is by getting to know his Airmen.
"I am impressed with what I have seen so far," said Master Sgt. Wayne Kindrix, Detachment 457 first sergeant. "He gets out from behind the desk and loves learning Airmen's jobs."

With the new commander having a strong presence among his Airman, Master Sgt. McCowan's advice to her fellow group members is simple.

"Colonel Van Housen likes to get out and see his people," she said. "He's personable and wants to know the challenges and issues his team has. Don't be surprised when you see him "popping in" regularly. Best advice: Look sharp, be sharp and ensure you're on top of your game by knowing the technical instructions or guidance behind what's driving the way we do things. You will be asked!"




Staff Sgt. Nathan Federico also contributed to this story.