Familiar face takes command of 347th OG

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman S.I. Fielder
  • 347th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
A new commander took command of the 347th Operations Group April 21 in a ceremony at the Fuels Barn. 

Col. Eric Kivi, who served as the 347th OG vice commander during 2003 and 2004, succeeded Col. Eugene Haase, who’s slated to become the vice wing commander of the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. 

“The best commanders I have worked for gave their subordinate commanders and leaders their intent and then let those leaders accomplish the mission the best way they saw fit,” said Colonel Kivi. “I think you get a better effort out of those subordinates and Airmen. They learn how to lead, and they are a lot more comfortable with the way the team functions.” 

Colonel Kivi said he expects his Airmen to live up to the core values of Integrity, Service and Excellence. He also expects his Airmen to show respect and professionalism to their fellow Airman. 

“It’s critical as ambassadors in uniform that we represent ourselves to the American public and other nations as the best our country has to offer,” said the colonel. “I also expect for my Airmen to care for each other and be good wingmen. 

“We’re all stressed from supporting the War on Terror and our deployment responsibilities,” he said, “and we need to be looking out for one another.” 

During his ceremony, Colonel Kivi said he’ll work toward building the 347th OG’s rescue capabilities. His priorities are to take care of his Airmen while making sure they are trained, mentored and prepared for combat. 

“I want to make sure tomorrow’s rescue force is more capable than today’s rescue force,” said the command pilot with more than 4,000 flight hours in the airlift, weather reconnaissance, and rescue and special operations versions of the C-130 Hercules. 

Colonel Kivi said he feels being involved with the decisions directly affecting the Airmen is the most rewarding aspect of being a commander. 

“There’s a sense of satisfaction when you see your team complete a mission,” he said. “Mission accomplishment holds a great deal of satisfaction, whether you’re a commander or part of that team.” 

The new commander’s experiences during deployments have helped instill within him lessons of readiness. He said even if someone makes all the right decisions and preparations, something unexpected is bound to happen. 

“Something I have learned is you will never have all the answers,” said Colonel Kivi, who enjoys playing golf and traveling during his off-duty time. “Eventually, men and women will have to fall back on using their best judgment, education, experiences and each other to solve a problem.”

Events

Today 
FebruaryMarch 2024April
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
25
26
27
28
29
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6