Outgoing 56th MSG commander reflects on mission, pride in Airmen

  • Published
  • By Major Miki Gilloon
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 56th Mission Support Group has continued to improve Luke and its quality of life over the last two years while playing a vital role in supporting global operations, said the group's outgoing commander.

"We've accomplished a lot between construction, housing privatization and our stellar deployment record," said Colonel Ronald Mozzillo, who relinquishes command of the 56th MSG to Colonel Andre Curry on May 2. "Kicking off the contract for housing privatization and getting the news houses built was a huge win for the base and local community." In addition to housing privatization, Luke worked in conjunction with the GMH Military Housing Company to construct a community center that houses a picnic pavilion, tot lot, playground, basketball and volleyball courts, and pool.

Colonel Mozzillo took command of the 56th MSG in July 2006 and since then; the group has achieved a multitude of successes including the goal of supporting the global war on terrorism.

"To be able to send combat ready Airmen on deployments to fight the war in Iraq and Afghanistan while at the same time being able to take care of the mission here -- that's what I'm most proud of and I feel like we got a lot done," he said. About 1,500 Airmen have deployed from the 56th MSG in the past two years.

The 56th MSG has a diverse mission consisting of seven squadrons that include operations such as engineering, lodging and dining, readiness, contracting, fire protection, telecommunications, personnel management, environmental management and security. While diverse, the group is postured for future success, Colonel Mozzillo said, referring to upcoming changes resulting in the 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron move to the 56th Maintenance Group, and merge between the 56th Services and 56th Mission Support Squadrons.

"Change is inevitable and the squadrons are postured to continue forward in terms of taking care of the jets, the base and people," he said.

Colonel Mozzillo has served in numerous positions during his nearly 27-year Air Force career to include commanding the 9th Mission Support Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. He has served as the support group commander, U.S. Military Training Mission in Saudi Arabia, and the 2nd Mission Support Group deputy commander at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. He was also assigned to Headquarters Air Combat Command where he served as Performance Programs Branch chief in the Directorate of Personnel, and the Airman Development Division chief in the Directorate of Manpower and Personnel.

The colonel's next assignment is to Multinational Forces Iraq, where he will serve in the position of Strategic Communications Operations chief for one year.
The highlight of Colonel Mozzillo's time here was not only the mission accomplishments, but according to him, were the outstanding people.

"You pour your heart and soul into the job for two years knowing there's an end date out there somewhere, and I'm very proud of what the people have done," he said. "I've never seen in my life a team of such great young Airmen, and it really warms my heart to know that the Air Force's future is well taken care of. We are postured for tomorrow thanks to the young men and women we have serving in our country today."