Col. Hodges assumes command of 6th MSG

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Bryan Gatewood
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Colonel James Hodges assumed command of the 6th Mission Support Group in a ceremony here July 6 from Col. Donald Barnes. Col. Lenny Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander presided over the ceremony.

"I have been given a sacred trust to lead Airmen in a challenging time of armed conflict and national budget constraints. America and our Airmen deserve my best," said Hodges. "I will hold myself to the highest standard so I can be the kind of commander our Airmen ought to have. I will also look out for the mission readiness, safety, security, and wellbeing of our Airmen and will be a good steward of the resources under my command."

Barnes is retiring after 26 years of dedicated service.

Hodges is coming to MacDill from Maxwell AFB, Ala., where he was a student at the Air War College. As the new 6th MSG commander he expects everyone to realize the honor and responsibility it is to serve the American citizens and their sacred trust they have in the military.

"They (Airmen) must live the Air Force Core Values and make them their own as members of the profession of arms," said the colonel. "Each Airman has a critical role in our shrinking Air Force and needs to be the technical expert in their specialty -- there is a time where they must be able to look anyone in the eye, be the expert, and 'speak truth to power' regarding their part of the mission."

During his first commander's call, the colonel said, he will elaborate on his thoughts on how the 6th MSG can accomplish the 6th AMW commander's priorities: mission readiness/accomplishment; building the MacDill Community; and outreach to the local community.

His experience includes assignments as a commander, planner, staff officer, instructor, and engineer in the continental United States, overseas, and in deployed environments.

When asked how he likes Tampa, Hodges said, "MacDill is a special base with a great history and important mission. It's also situated in a wonderful community that's beautiful, fun, and offers awesome support to the base. I'm proud to make the Hodges family a part of the greater MacDill-Tampa family."

Hodges' full biography can be found on the MacDill website at http://www.macdill.af.mil/library/biographies