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15th OG under new management after change of command ceremony

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Terri Paden
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  The 15th Operations Group officially changed hands June 21.

Col. Michael Merritt assumed command from Col. Dan Baldessari at a change-of-command ceremony held at the Missing Man formation here.

"Leading and working with the magnificent Airmen of the 15th Operations Group has been an honor beyond compare," said Baldessari before handing over the guidon. "Each and every Airman in the Group executes their diverse mission sets with precision, passion and pride. These extraordinary Airmen, in concert with our Hawaii Air National Guard and active-duty partners, have produced exceptional results across the Pacific and worldwide. It has been a rare privilege for my family and I to be associated with each and every one of these amazing Airmen for the past two years, and I am supremely confident they will continue to excel in the months and years ahead."

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

Just before relinquishing command, Baldessari thanked his special guests, 15th Wing leadership, 15 OG leadership, his fellow group commanders, Friends of Hickam visitors and his family. He reserved a special thank you for 15 OG Airmen, to whom he referred to as extraordinary while expressing his appreciation for their hard work during his two years in command.

In-coming commander, Merritt, comes to Team Hickam from the 71st Flying Training Wing, Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where he served as the special assistant to the commander.

As the new 15 OG commander, Merritt is charged with ensuring the combat readiness of more than 300 personnel assigned to five operational squadrons. He will oversee operations at the largest joint-use airfield in the United States, execute Total Force combat/peacetime C-17, KC-135 and F-22 global operations while providing C-37 and C-40 executive airlift for the U.S. Pacific Command commander, U.S. Forces Korea commander, Pacific Air Forces commander and other senior military leaders.

Merritt said he looks forward to working with the men and women of the 15 OG and fostering good relations among his HIANG counterparts.