60th Mission Support Group gains new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy Boyer
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 60th Mission Support Group got a new commander July 13 during a change-of-command ceremony in front of the 60th Air Mobility Wing command building.

Col. Robert Eatman served as the 60th MSG commander for two years before the ceremony to transfer command to Col. Doug Bugado, now 60th MSG commander.

Under Eatman's command 10 Air Mobility Command bases successfully migrated to Travis' 2.5 million dollar Telephone Operator Consolidated Call Center, fielding more than a million calls quarterly and saving 500,000 dollars annually. His flawless guidance during the base implementation of the Air Force's 3.8 million dollar Food Transformation Initiative led to the renovation of four facilities impacting the lives of more than 10,000 Airmen and their families, making it the first successful execution and a model for other Air Mobility Command bases.

Following the devastating March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, his leadership drove the swift reception, processing and onward movement of 2,600 Department of Defense dependents in support of Operation Pacific Passage. Eatman's unwavering support of his Airmen resulted in the group winning three county, six Air Force, 48 command, and 19 wing level awards.

"The pace at Travis was a surprise, but just as amazing was the stamina and determination of the men and women of the Mission Support Group," Eatman said. "Our Airmen, and I include our dedicated civilian work force as Airmen, have been nothing short of phenomenal."

Following the ceremony and with 28 years of service to the country, Eatman retired.
After relinquishing command to Col. Dwight Sones, 60th AMW commander, Eatman stepped out of the way to make room for the new MSG commander, Bugado, with the traditional passing of the guidon.

"Throughout the years I've had a few assignments within Air Mobility Command and have always noticed that Travis has been the measuring stick that all the other bases compare to," Bugado said. "Travis has always led the way and I feel honored and privileged to be part of this team."

Bugado was commissioned in 1990 following his graduation from the Air Force Academy. He began his career as a supply fuels officer at March Air Force Base and was later selected to cross flow as an aircraft maintenance officer at Yokota Air Base, Japan. He has led several squadrons at home and abroad. Most recently, Bugado served as Headquarters Air Force Material Command's Directorate of Logistics and Sustainment and Repair Integration Network division chief.

Bugado said in the short time he has been here he could see the partnership and teamwork that makes Travis "America's first choice."

"Back home in Hawaii, my father taught me about 'laulima' which is the Hawaiian word for cooperation - working together for the common good," Bugado said. "It sure feels like the spirit of laulina is strong here and I hope we can continue to strengthen those bonds even more."