U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jarrett Smith ()
Col. Michael Campos assumed command of the 374th Maintenance Group from Col. Philip Dorsch during a change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 9, 2023.
Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, presided over the ceremony and the event was attended by family members of the incoming and outgoing commanders, members of the 374th MXG, and representatives from across the base.
Dorsch leaves with several noteworthy accomplishments, to include leading the Pacific Air Force Command’s only tactical airlift maintenance group, managing over $1.5 billion in Air Force assets and executing a $45 million- annual budget, ensuring the readiness and well-being of 615 Airmen, civilians, and Japanese employees. His leadership helped prepare 24 aircraft for airborne exercises, recording the largest U.S.-Japan air drop in history. As a result, the group achieved the best C-130 aircraft availability and mission capability rates in the Air Force.
The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass a baton, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust.
“To the men and women of the 374th Maintenance Group, it is truly an honor to get to serve with you,” said Campos, “Your professionalism, dedication, and true grit makes our mission possible. I am always awestruck at the miracles our Air Force maintainers perform everyday to ensure these awesome machines are always safe to fly."
The 374th MXG is responsible for maintaining the Yokota’s fleet of C-130J Super Hercules, C-12J Huron and UH-1N Twin Huey aircraft in support of rapid airlift and distinguished visitor transport for Pacific Air Forces in the Indo-Pacific region.
Photo Caption: Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, receives a unit guidon from Col. Philip Dorsch during a change of command ceremony for the 374th Maintenance Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 9, 2023. Col. Michael Campos assumed command of the 374th MXG from Dorsch. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust.
