445th LRS reservist takes command of the 506 ELRS

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  A 445th Logistics Readiness Squadron officer currently deployed with the 506th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron took command of the unit during a change of command ceremony at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, April 21.

Lt. Col. Joseph Savage took command of the 506 ELRS from Lt. Col. Charles Young. Col. Leonard Dick, 506th Air Expeditionary Group commander was the presiding officer for the ceremony.

Assigned as the commander of the 506th ELRS under the 506th AEG, Colonel Savage's unit is responsible for continuous ELRS operations. Due to the drawdown of the Air Force footprint and mission handover to the Army, he will be the last 506 ELRS commander at Kirkuk.

Colonel Savage oversees a staff of more than 90 active duty and reserve personnel, covering eight flights.

"Our primary mission is to provide daily mission support to the AEG which includes; small terminal operations (including aerial port operations, air terminal operations center, and passenger terminal); re-deployment control center; material management; traffic management; vehicle maintenance and operations; just to name a few," Colonel Savage said.

The reservist said his unit also manages several key logistics tasks of the Responsible Drawdown of Forces; ensuring proper accountability of equipment, weapons, vehicles, and personnel.

"As the AEG turns over its mission to the Army, we are responsible for the proper turnover of assets when required and redeploy of assets to other bases within the AOR to support their missions," Colonel Savage said.

Colonel Savage said his unit is ready and prepared for the turn over.

"The men and women of the 506 ELRS are the best. They will be faced with the awesome challenge of doing their daily mission while assisting the rest of the group in drawdown actions, and also completing the ELRS's own drawdown all at the same time," Colonel Savage said.

The colonel admits that his new role as commander has been a great learning experience so far.

"I'm continually amazed by the professionalism of the Air Force personnel and their positive attitude. They are extremely dedicated to the mission and take great pride in doing things right. I thank their families and especially my family for their sacrifice, love, and support," Colonel Savage said.