New commanders take the lead

  • Published
  • By 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  The 759th Logistics Readiness Flight held an assumption of command ceremony here, Sat. May 12.

Lt. Col. Steven M. Higgins assumed command of the 759th LRF and will oversee reservists responsible for logistics duties. He will also be responsible for the transport of cargo and passengers for flight missions.

"Selecting Lt. Col. Higgins is one of the easiest decisions I've had to make since taking command of the 459th Mission Support Group," said Col. Scott S. Russell, 459th MSG commander. "I am very glad he accepted my offer and is here today to take command."

Russell welcomed back Higgins, who had been the senior logistic officer at the 759th LRF from 2002-2007, as well as staff transportation and logistics officer of the 459th Transportation Flight from 1997 through 2002.

The 759th LRF is one of two logistic readiness flights assigned to the 459th MSG. Unlike the rest of the wing, the 759th LRF reports to U.S. Air Forces in Europe, not Air Mobility Command.

Higgins said his primary goal is to reestablish the relationship between the 759th LRF and USAFE. He said another one of his goals is to continue to work Air Expeditionary Force missions, and improve officer development.

"These seasoned field grade officers, who are experts in their field, move equipment, supplies, and people in and out of theater," said Higgins. "They provide staff logistics at the major command or combatant command level."

Higgins was the former commander of the 53rd Aerial Port Squadron at Joint Base Bragg-Pope, N.C. before joining the 459th LRF.

"I'm extremely proud to serve our country and look forward to working with the flight for the good of the group, Wing, USAFE and the Air Force Reserve," said Higgins.

In addition to the 759th LRF assumption of command ceremony, the 459th Force Support Squadron also had a new commander assume command, May 13.

Lt. Col. Jena Silva assumed command over the 459th FSS and will be responsible for manpower, personnel, Airman and family services, communications flight and other offices which fall under FSS. Silva will also oversee over 70 reservists who belong to the squadron.

"I am excited and more than honored to take command of this squadron and will do my very best to provide them with exemplary leadership and support," said Silva.

Silva joins the 459th ARW from the United States European Command in Germany where she worked in the manpower, personnel and administration section.

"Lt. Col. Silva's philosophy of taking care of the people lines up perfectly with the mission of the MSG ", said Russell. "We are privileged to have her on board."

Silva says she will embrace the mission of FSS during her time as commander.

"We all have a mission to work towards," said Silva. "The mission of FSS is the people, and we must not forget to take care of them."