JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
U.S. Army Soldiers, U.S. Air Force Airmen and civilians from the 733rd Mission Support Group welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, June 29, 2018.
U.S. Army Col. Jennifer S. Walkawicz assumed command of the group, which is comprised of two squadrons and one division with more than 550 members who provide support to service members, their families and the overall mission of JBLE.
Prior to assuming command, Walkawicz served as the senior military assistant to the Secretary of the Army.
U.S. Air Force Col. Sean Tyler, 633rd Air Base Wing commander, welcomed Walkawicz to her new command.
“With her planning and, combat expertise and experience, Jenn brings a wealth of knowledge that will help us support and enhance mission partner readiness,” said Tyler. “Jenn, my guidance to you is simple: Do what you have done consistently throughout your career—lead. Our full air base wing team is in support of you to ensure we deliver stellar installation mission support to all our partners on Fort Eustis.”
Walkawicz addressed the group upon assuming command following the passing of the unit colors.
“I’m deeply honored and incredibly humbled to be standing in front of you as the commander of the 733rd Mission Support Group,” said Walkawicz. “Thank you for welcoming me to your family. From everything I’ve observed over the last few weeks, from everything I’ve heard here, I’m so fortunate to be inheriting such a phenomenal command. I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to serve as commander of the 733rd, and I’m ready to work alongside each and every one of you to continue on that tradition of excellence.”
During the ceremony, U.S. Army Col. Ralph L. Clayton welcomed Walkawicz and expressed thanks to the unit for supporting him during his command.
“Col. Walkawicz, welcome aboard this adventure—it will truly be a great adventure for you. You have a tremendous crew working for you, and this will be an enjoyable command—best of luck,” he said. “To the 733rd MSG team, thank you for teaching me how to be a city manager, and thank you for your patience, professionalism, candor, diligence, attention to detail, keeping me out of trouble with sage advice, and the ability to ‘get to yes’ through stellar service to our service members, civilians and families on Eustis and Langley. Thank you for the opportunity to serve for this part of the journey. I look forward to the future and when our paths cross again.”
Clayton will continue his career at the U.S. Army Installation Management Command Training Directorate at Fort Eustis. IMCOM integrates and delivers base support to enable readiness for a globally-responsive Army.