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New MXG commander looks to continue stellar reputation

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  With three Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam weapons systems, the C-17 Globemaster III, the KC-135 Stratotanker, and an F-22 Raptor providing the backdrop, the 15th Maintenance Group welcomed their new commander.

Colonel David Pastore assumed command from Col. Michael Novotny at a change-of-command ceremony here July 9 at Hangar 19.

Just before relinquishing command, Novotny thanked his family, special guests, 15th Wing leadership, group and squadron commanders and the Friends of Hickam attendees.

Novotny also thanked the Airmen of the 15 MXG for their tireless efforts and dedication to the mission during his tenure as commander.

"This has been a very special assignment for my family and I. Serving as your commander has made this assignment the pinnacle of my career," said Novotny.

During the ceremony, Novotny was presented the Legion of Merit for his outstanding service and accomplishments as commander to the 15 MXG.

As Novotny prepares to head to Warner Robbins Air Force Base, Headquarters of Air Force Reserve Command, to become the Logistics Operations Division Chief, he joined the Airmen of the 15 MXG in welcoming Pastore and his family to Hawaii.

Pastore arrived from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where he was the Director of Logistics Maintenance within Headquarters Air Mobility Command.

After assuming command, Pastore took to the podium and expressed his feelings on taking is new position.

"Being a commander is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon an officer," he said.

As the 15 MXG commander, Pastore will lead and provide operational direction to an integrated force of 500 active duty, Hawaii Air National Guard, civilian, and contractor members supporting C-17, F-22, and C-37 and C-40 Special Assigned Airlift Mission aircraft to meet global airlift, global strike and theater security mission requirements. Additionally, his group supports 6,500 joint and allied aircraft transiting through Hickam each year.

"I am honored to take command today, and I want to thank Col. Roscoe for having trusted me and having the confidence in me to lead the men and women of the 15 MXG," said Pastore.

Pastore said he is tremendously grateful to have this opportunity, and he looks forward to the continued successes of 15 WG and 154th Hawaii Air National Guard demonstrating their total force integration partnership.