6 MSG welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Patrice Clarke
  • Thunderbolt staff writer
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Col. William Francis took command of the 6th Mission Support Group from Col. Robert Thomas, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony held Monday.

During the ceremony, Colonel Thomas spoke of the merits of the incoming and outgoing commander, Col. Robert Moriarty.

"Just when you think you are losing an indispensable leader a new commander comes in with just as much leadership and experience to take the team to a new level," he said.
Before handing over the flag for the final time, Colonel Moriarty had a few parting words for the members of the 'Magnificent 7' (the seven squadrons that make up the 6 MSG).

"To the men and women of the 'Magnificent 7' you deserve all the credit," he said. "You deploy four and six months out of the year and still continue to accomplish the mission. You are a great group of people who carry the entire load, and for that I thank you."

After officially taking command of the 6 MSG, Colonel Francis had nothing but praise for the men and women of his group.

"Thanks in advance for your duty and dedication you effortlessly display during the performance of the mission," said Colonel Francis. "I am proud to be a part of a group that has such a great history and I am equally proud to be a part of the 'Magnificent 7.'

Colonel Francis was commissioned through the Reserve Officers Training Corps and entered the Air Force in 1986.

The Georgia native earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics degree from Florida State University in 1986, a Master of Arts in business administration degree from Eastern New Mexico University in 1997, a Master of Strategic Studies degree from Air University in 2005 and a Master of National Strategy degree from the National War College in 2005.

Colonel Francis is a command pilot with more than 2,800 flying hours. Some of his military awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal.