New commander takes charge at 422nd ABG

  • Published
  • By Capt. Brian Maguire
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF CROUGHTON, United Kingdom --  The men and women of the 422nd Air Base Group welcomed Col. Doug Mellars as their new commander during an assumption of command ceremony April 17.

Mellars came to RAF Croughton from the A6 directorate at Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

"For the men and women of the group, it will be a pleasure to serve with you," Mellars said. "I am grateful to be here, and I am impressed with everything I've seen here and the people I've met."

Col. Angela Cadwell, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, welcomed Mellars during her speech at the ceremony, stressing the weight of command.

"With today's ceremony, Colonel Mellars accepts the authority, responsibility and accountability that goes along with command," Cadwell said. "Welcome to the 422nd Air Base Group and to another opportunity to serve and command. The challenges will be many and difficult, but I know you are eager, ready and confident."

Congratulating the Airmen of the 422nd ABG on their two Department of Defense level awards, Cadwell also spoke about the high-performing caliber of Airmen within the 422nd.

"The men and women of the 422nd Air Base Group who stand before you are simply superb," she said. "Your most important task is to earn their trust and to earn the trust of your mission partners as you take care of your people and relentlessly pursue mission success."

Closing out his remarks, Mellars emphasized the close relationship the group shares with the local community.

"It is a beautiful area here, and I look forward to working with all of our civic leaders to make sure we are good neighbors," Mellars said.