MXG/CC’s tenure marked with success

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Lindsey Hahn
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A change-of-command ceremony for the 60th Maintenance Group will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday on the Travis flightline. 

After two years as commander of the 60th MXG, Col. Keith Frede will relinquish command to Col. Craig O’Neil, who is formerly the 92nd MXG commander at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. 

As commander, Colonel Frede directs, manages and coordinates all activities for six squadrons within his group. He is responsible for more than 2,000 people and maintains 26 C-5 and 27 KC-10 aircraft. 

Under his command, the 60th MXG boasted several major accomplishments including more than 30 Air Force, Air Mobility Command, 18th Air Force and individual awards. Highlights include two consecutive AMC Daedalian Maintenance Trophies in 2003 and 2004 and the Air Force Daedalian in 2004. During the wing’s Environmental Compliance Assessment Management Program inspection, the unit garnered the best results in a five-year period with zero major discrepancies and an overall “Outstanding” rating. 

“Colonel Frede has eloquently and dynamically led his group to unprecedented success,” said Col. Steve Arquiette, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander. “With him at the reigns, his group contributed to the wing flying more than 119 thousand hours, off-loading 293 million pounds of fuel, airlifting 102 thousand tons of cargo and moving 7,463 passengers to 230 locations in 46 countries. He and his wife Peggy will be sorely missed and I wish him the best of luck at Tinker Air Force Base.” 

In addition, Colonel Frede managed the maintenance of assigned aircraft, transient aircraft and more than 800 aerospace ground support items to meet operational and mobility requirements. His guidance spearheaded the generation of more than 56 thousand C-5 and KC-10 flying hours supporting both Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom cargo movement requirements as well as more than 9,093 air refueling combat and combat-support missions over Iraq and Afghanistan off-loading 80 million pounds of fuel to coalition aircraft. 

Also during his tenure, the 60th AMW deployed more than 3,500 troops and 2,500 tons of cargo supporting America’s Global War on Terror on the aircraft his group maintains. 

“The Ops/Maintenance ‘relationship’ is a special part of Air Force culture,” said Col. Michael Cassidy, 60th Operations Group Commander. “As long as the Air Force has flown airplanes there has been a mechanic or team of maintenance professionals dedicated to keeping the aircraft we operators fly ready to go. Colonel Frede led the MXG to impressive accomplishments, always emphasizing the Travis Team. He ensured our KC-10s and C-5s got ‘to the fight’ supporting the warfighter. He also laid the foundation for mission success as we integrate the C-17 mission, by making sure our maintainers have the needed equipment and training. Keith, as you taxi out the Ops Group salutes you — thanks.” 

Colonel O’Neil was in command of the 92nd MXG since May 2003 and was responsible for 41 KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and associated support equipment. 

He was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program in 1980 upon graduating from Grambling State University with a bachelor of science degree in music education. He has commanded at the squadron and group level and has earned several decorations including the Bronze Star and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. 

“I am excited to welcome Colonel O’Neil to our team,” said Colonel Arquiette. “With the new C-17 mission coming to join our already critical C-5 and KC-10 missions, his background and expertise will be essential to leading this already successful group.”