February 12, 2006

SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, MI. - Michigan Air National Guard's 127thAirlift Group held a change of command ceremony today as Lt. Col. Michael Thomas assumed command from Colonel David Miller in front of a formation of the group's C-130 pilots, navigators, loadmasters, maintenance and support personnel. Miller has transitioned to the position of 127th Wing Vice Commander.

The airlift group consists of over 400 military personnel and 8 C-130E
aircraft, supporting the Air Force Air Mobility Command. In his role as
Group Commander, Lt. Col. Thomas is responsible for the military employment and overall combat effectiveness of the unit.

His military career began in 1976 as a C-130 Loadmaster with the 305th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. After approximately 18 years with the Air Force Reserves, Lt. Col. Thomas transitioned to the 171st Airlift Squadron, Michigan Air National Guard in 1994. As part of the 171stAirlift Squadron, Lt. Col. Thomas served as a Flight Commander and Chief of Scheduling. During this time he focused on personnel enhancement and equipment modernization.
Lt. Col. Thomas led the Airlift Squadron's support of the C-130 24-hour homeland defense alert commitment, which supported Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. Prior to becoming group commander, Lt. Col. Thomas served as Director of Operations for the 171st Airlift Squadron.

A command pilot with over 4,000 hours flight time, Lt. Col. Thomas maintains proficiency as a tactically qualified C-130E instructor pilot. Lt. Col. Thomas has participated in three combat deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraq Freedom.

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Please contact 127th Wing Public Affairs at (586)307-5576 if you have
questions about this release.