New commander takes MSG reins

  • Published
  • By Capt. Gerardo Gonzalez
  • 56th Fighte Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  An F-15E Strike Eagle pilot with combat time over Afghanistan and Iraq took charge of the 56th Mission Support Group during a change of command ceremony held in Hangar 485 June 18.

Col. Philippe Darcy took the 56th MSG reins from Col. Andre Curry who now moves on to serve as the director of security forces at Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

"I'm fired up to be here," said Col. Darcy. "When I arrived here they handed me the MSG continuity book and it was very thick. The overall theme of it was to serve, support and protect."

The MSG is a "vital key" to the wing's mission of training world-class pilots and maintainers and providing combatant commanders with mission-ready warriors, said Col. Darcy.

Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, 56th Fighter Wing commander, presided over the ceremony and gave the new commander praise and a glimpse to his new assignment.

"Col. Darcy has an enviable record of leadership," said Gen. Neubauer. "This job will be full of promise, challenges and excitement."

The general stressed the importance of command. He said commanders must trust in their brothers and sisters, lead without fear and ultimately get the job done.
Col. Curry, 56th MSG former commander, spoke highly of the men and women of the support group during the ceremony.

"They're a fantastic team," said Col. Curry to the new commander. "They'll make you proud each and every day."

Before Luke, Col. Darcy was assigned to the Pentagon, Washington D.C., where he served as Chief, Weapons Division for the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs.