459 MXG welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steve Lewis
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  The 459th Maintenance Group guidon was passed to Col. Maureen G. Banavige during a change of command ceremony in Hangar 10 here Feb. 6. Colonel Banavige is replacing the 459 MXG's previous commander, Col. Timothy E. Nelson, who is currently assigned as the deputy J-6 at Headquarters U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Neb.

Col. Banavige assumes command of the 459 MXG after previously serving as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Chief, Logistics Operations Division, Directorate of Logistics, Scott AFB, Ill. The Minnesota native also has many years of experience serving in positions such as commander of a maintenance squadron and a deployed program manager in Baghdad, Iraq.

Col. James M. Allman, 459th Air Refueling Wing commander, presided over the change of command ceremony and shared his thoughts on Colonel Banavige's leadership experience.

"The 459th Maintenance Group is getting a commander who is extremely well prepared for this step in her career," Colonel Allman said. "She's a decorated war veteran and her command experience at the 934th Maintenance Squadron in Minneapolis-St. Paul has been highlighted with incredible achievements."

With future exercises and an upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection, Colonel Banavige will be utilizing her previous experience to face many challenges as the 459 MXG's commander. Despite the challenges, Colonel Banavige recognized the new opportunities she's being given.

"We have a very aggressive schedule coming up in the next year," she said, "so this is a very good way for me to get to know you and meet these challenges."

As the ceremony came to a close, Colonel Banavige quoted Vincent Lombardi, former coach of the Green Bay Packers, in honor of this year's Superbowl.

"Vince Lombardi said that 'man's greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear is that moment when he worked his heart out in good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle, victorious'" Colonel Banavige said. "Well our field of battle may not be a football field, but we will work our hearts out and together, we will be victorious."