Rescue group receives new leadership

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 347th Rescue Group began the next chapter in its history when a new commander took the reins during a change of command ceremony at the Fuels Barn here June 13.

The group's new commander, Col. Darryle Grimes, believes his four years spent as the assistant operations officer, operations officer and commander of the 71st Rescue Squadron here helped prepare him to assume the role as commander of the whole group.

"Although I've spent the past few years in a joint environment, I'm first and foremost a combat search and rescue Airman," said Colonel Grimes. "I'm really looking forward to continuing the 347th RQG's legacy of excellence.

"I came into the rescue community in 1993 as a captain," he added. "I understand our mission and the importance of it. I'm already aware of exactly what we as a CSAR unit can bring to the fight, which I believe is a key to running this group."

This depth of experience makes Colonel Grimes the perfect person to continue the group's successes it has experienced under the leadership of outgoing commander, Col. Eric Kivi, said Col. Kenneth Todorov, 23rd Wing commander.

"He is returning home to Moody and the CSAR community that he has been an integral part of throughout his Air Force career," said Colonel Todorov. "He brings a variety of experiences and broad knowledge into this job and will be a valuable addition to this wing."

Colonel Grimes took command of the group after spending two years at Special Operations Command, Europe at Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany, where he finished as the director of plans, policy and programs.

He stressed he was taking over a unit that thrived under the leadership of Colonel Kivi.
"Colonel Kivi already has a great system in place," he said. "We will rely and expand upon the ideas already set forth by previous leadership.

"Collectively, we will prioritize what needs to be done to make the unit run as smooth as possible," added the colonel. "Although, our main care is to stay focused on the mission. Taking care of my job allows our Airmen, from maintainers to operators, to focus on their jobs at hand."

One of the first challenges the unit will face under Colonel Grimes is preparing to re-organize the rescue maintenance units to the operation squadrons' chains-of-command.

"It's a step in the right direction for the group; we will be consolidating all our Airmen, from maintainers to operators, who help support the CSAR mission," he said.

During this time, the unit will also be preparing for the base's upcoming Unit Compliance Inspection, which ensures the wing as a whole is operating within Air Combat Command's directives.

"The UCI gives us a chance to make sure we are doing business according to ACC guidance," said Colonel Grimes. "Although I'm sure we are already prepared, we will continue to look at our processes to make certain that we as a unit continue to operate how we should be."

Colonel Grimes is a California native, who graduated from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He was an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Course distinguished graduate who is a command pilot with more than 3,300 flight hours in aircraft including the HC-130P/N, C-130E, T-37 and T-38.

The colonel plans to use his experience as a CSAR operator and leader to help the Airmen, non-commissioned officers and officers accomplish their missions.

"I have a very strong belief that if I take care of my business, the Airmen can focus on their mission," Colonel Grimes said. "I will ensure that the 347th RQG success continues into the future."