60th Operations Group welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Charles Rivezzo
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Col. Christopher Maddox took command of the 60th Operations Group here July 30, becoming the newest leader of Air Mobility Command's largest and only three-mission design series operations group.

A command pilot with 3,500 flight hours, including more than 500 combat hours in the C-17 Globemaster III and KC-10 Extender, Maddox previously served as the chief of the Joint Force Assessment and Sufficiency in the Forces Division of the Joint Staff's Structure, Resources and Assessment directorate. He succeeds Col. David Mott who has served as the 60th Operations Group commander since August 2013.

Presiding at the ceremony, Col. Joel Jackson, 60th  Air Mobility Wing commander, said, "This is not just any command, this is the 60th Operations Group ... a group that I am proud to say is second to none. Eighteen C-5s, 13 C-17s and 27 KC-10s, the 60th Operations Group, more than any other operations group in the Air Force projects global reach. More than 1,000 active-duty and civilians across five operational squadrons work in lockstep to provide rapid global mobility to combatant commanders anywhere, at any time; delivering the right effects to the right place at the right time, every time."

Addressing the crowd of Airmen, commanders, distinguished visitors and family members, Maddox said, "To the remarkable men and women of 60th Operations Group, it is such a privilege to join your team. I hope that you never forget that your service is an inspiration to others. Your sacrifices are writing a new chapter in the legacy of the 60th Operations Group.

"From the units origins in the skies over north Africa during World War II, to its modern legacy in Somalia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. This group has played a critical role in securing U.S. interests around the world," he continued.

A proven leader and airpower tactician, Maddox has commanded two squadrons and has an extensive background in mobility operations. He has completed four overseas deployments, commanding more than 100 combat missions in Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and has staff experience as an Air Force intern assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Headquarters Air Force Staff at the Pentagon.

During his address, Maddox stressed the importance of ensuring Airmen and their families have the equipment, training and leadership necessary to execute the combat mission with precision and strength.

"In our complex global environment one thing is for certain, our nation will call on us again and we must be ready to answer that call," he said. "We must execute our mission better today than we did yesterday and better tomorrow than we do today."

Maddox also added the need to accept nothing short of excellence.

"Excellence must be our standard ... in everything we do," he said, "in every mission, every task and during every hour of every day. Our profession is simply too important and too dangerous to accept anything short of excellence." 

Throughout Mott's tenure as commander, the 60th OG met incredible strategic demands, generating more than 5,000 missions and 10,000 sorties, offloading 338 million pounds of fuel, and delivering more than 85,000 tons of cargo and 67,000 passengers in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.

In his farewell remarks, Mott thanked the men and women of the 60th OG.

"Two years ago, I took command of the biggest and best operations group in Air Mobility Command," he said. "I was humbled from that day forward to be able to lead such a wonderful group of people pushing the mission forward. I'm proud to say that our history has crossed and continued success under Colonel Maddox. Go forth and prosper, do what you have always done ... deliver air mobility."

Mott is slated to retire from the Air Force after 23 years of service.