New Security Forces Group commander no stranger to Moody

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  During a change of command ceremony here April 2, Col. Donald Derry took the reigns of the 820th Security Forces Group.

Colonel Derry took command of the group from Col. John Decknick, who now serves as the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing Vice Commander.

"Becoming commander for the 820th SFG is a dream come true," Colonel Derry said. "I was the first operations officer of the group back in 1997 and later the commander for 822nd Security Forces Squadron in June 2000. Coming back to the 820th SFG is like a homecoming for me.

"I'm ecstatic to be back here for the second time," he added. "I'm very happy to be a part of a distinctive organization, which has a first-hand force protection capability that is very unique to the Air Force. It's the cutting edge of the future for our Air Force operations as far as ground combat is concerned."

During Colonel Decknick's farewell speech to his unit, he reflected back to his three years commanding the group and assured his former Airmen that Colonel Derry is the right man for the job.

"Colonel Derry is the perfect choice amongst the others," Colonel Decknick said. "His previous command of the 822nd SFS, combat experience and plain common sense makes him exceptionally qualified. I can only see great things for the group."

Once Colonel Derry received notification he would lead the 820th SFG, he set several goals for the group.

"I want to be able to provide top-notch force protection for our deployed forces," said Colonel Derry. "In addition, I want to provide support for all of their families here at Moody, because we are constantly away from home."

The 820th SFG's mission is to provide first-in, highly capable, force protection and contingency response for expeditionary air forces anywhere, anytime and under austere conditions.

"Our mission comes first," said the colonel. "So I want to make sure the group is manned, trained and equipped to provide the best security in our deployed environments.

"There is much work ahead of us," he added. "We must be constantly on the alert. The safety of our country is in our hands."

The colonel also said while there may be challenges that lie ahead for the group, his motivation to tackle those issues is to concentrate on completing the mission and leading from the front.

"The biggest challenge we have is with our operations tempo," he said. "With the three squadrons that we have in the group, all of them are currently gone. One will be home fairly soon, but as we go into the next cycle, they will be preparing for their next mission after their recovery time."

Although Colonel Derry has been busy in preparation for taking over the unit, he wants his Airmen to know they are his top priority.

"I will always try to look after their best interest," Colonel Derry said. "I would never ask them to do something that I would not do myself. Though we are at a time of war and sacrifices have to be made, I'm very proud of them for constantly making tremendous efforts to fulfill our mission."

Colonel Derry earned his commission in 1985 from Norwich University in Northfield, Vt. During his previous assignment, he served as the force protection division chief for the Joint Security Office at the U.S. Central Command headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

His accomplishments include the Bronze Star Medal, the Master Security Forces Functional Badge, the U.S. Army Parachutist Badge, Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia, Royal Air Force Regiment Shoulder Guards, British Parachutist Wings and the U.S. Army Ranger Tab.