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15th OG changes hands

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Terri Paden
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  The 15th Operations Group is under new management after a change of command ceremony June 18.

Col. Charles Velino assumed command from Col. Michael Merritt ceremony in Hangar 19 here.

During the ceremony, Merritt was presented the Legion of Merit for his outstanding service and accomplishments as commander to the 15 OG to include guiding 300 Airmen to superbly execute more than 30,000 flight hours, airlifting 49 million pounds of cargo and more than 29,000 personnel in support of the president of the United States, the state department, four combatant commands, the Defense Prisoner Of War/Missing In Action Accounting Agency, and Operation Enduring Freedom while overseeing assets valued at more than two billion dollars.

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

In-coming commander, Velino, comes to Team Hickam from U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base,Ill., where he served as the special assistant to the commander.

Col. Randy Huiss, 15th Wing commander, presided over the ceremony introducing Velino to the crowd of attendees as the best man for the job.

As the new 15th OG commander, Velino 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.

Velino said he looks forward to working with the men and women of the 15 OG and fostering good relations among his Hawaii Air National Guard counterparts as well getting to know more about and enjoying the Hawaiian culture.

The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history dating back to the late 17th century. At that time, organizational flags were developed with color arrangements and symbols unique to each particular unit. To this flag and its commander, the members of a unit would dedicate their loyalty and trust. When a change of command was to take place, the flag was passed to the individual assuming command. This gesture was accomplished in front of the unit so that all members could see their new leader assuming this position of authority and responsibility.  Through this ceremony, the passing of the flag also symbolized the transfer of the unit members' trust and allegiance to their newly appointed commander. This symbolic tradition has survived throughout military history.