MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 23d Maintenance Group (MXG) held a change of command ceremony, June 17, 2019, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.
The ceremony welcomed Col. Stephen Harvey and said farewell to Col. John Chastain.
“(Harvey’s) vast experience in the maintenance world as an enlisted metals tech craftsman combined with the knowledge and understanding he gained leading two maintenance squadrons and an expeditionary maintenance group is invaluable,” said Col. Daniel P. Walls, 23d Wing commander and presiding officer for the ceremony. “I could not think of a better Airman or officer to lead the 23d MXG, and I look forward to the continued success of the unit under Harvey’s guidance.”
Harvey joins Moody from Kadena Air Base, Japan, where he was the deputy commander for the 18th Maintenance Group, leading Airmen who maintained combat capabilities for 80 assigned aircraft. Harvey will now be responsible for more than 1,800 maintenance professionals who make up the legendary “Flying Tigers” MXG.
“To the men and women of the 23d MXG, as your commander I will commit to us doing maintenance by the books, that we will be innovators and we will guard our Airmen’s time,” Harvey said. “This is an all-man endeavor, where I will need every person to partake, for there are no spectators in this. I look forward to the challenges ahead with you.”
The ceremony highlighted how Harvey will be leading the charge in providing effective maintenance on 71 mission-critical aircraft. Chastain, who retired after more than 26 years of service, wished Harvey good luck as he took command.
“Harvey, you will soon see how awesome the Moody mission and the Valdosta community really is, an experience like no other,” Chastain said. “We wish you the best of luck for a bright future. To the men and women of the 23d MXG, you never cease to amaze me. It’s been an honor and privilege to work with you over the past few years. You guys attack the mission head-on and succeed in whatever you do.
“You’re the reason we’re the greatest Air Force in the world. Continue to carry on that ‘Flying Tiger’ legacy.”