New boss takes charge of MXG

  • Published
  • By Capt. Gerardo Gonzalez
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 600 Airmen were on hand as a new commander took the reins of the 56th Maintenance Group during a change-of-command ceremony held here July 23 in Hangar 913.

Col. Deborah Liddick took charge of the 2,600-plus Airman strong maintenance group from Col. Geoffrey Parkhurst who now moves to Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Va.

"I've been preparing for this day for a long time," said Colonel Liddick, 56th MXG commander. "It is a tremendous privilege and honor to accept the [maintenance group] guidon."

During the ceremony, the colonel praised the men and women of maintenance, which make up the largest maintenance group in the Air Force. She also introduced her three goals for the group -- focus on the wing mission, be good wingmen and live by the Air Force core values.

Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, 56th Fighter Wing commander, presided over the ceremony and said the new maintenance leader has what it takes to lead the group.

"Colonel Liddick has a proven record of skill, wisdom and leadership in aircraft maintenance," he said.

Colonel Liddick entered the Air Force in 1989 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps, Wilkes College, Pa., and her past assignments include combat deployments in various maintenance and munitions positions to operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Deny Flight, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

The wing commander also gave Colonel Liddick words of advice during the ceremony.

"Believe in your mission, lead without fear and get the job done," General Neubauer said.

Colonel Parkhurst also praised the Airmen of the maintenance group. He looked out to the sea of uniforms in formation and called them an "amazing slice of American citizenry" who keep the jets that are vital to U.S. national security running.

The colonel was previously assigned to Luke Air Force Base from 2005 to 2007 and reflected on his assignments here.

"For as long as I walk on this earth, I will treasure having been a part of this incredible organization, not just once, but twice," Colonel Parkhurst said.