News

446th Mission Support Group sees new commander in January

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Anna Sullivan
  • 446th Airlift Wing
Lt. Col. Craig Petersen, currently the assistant chief of the 4th Air Force Aerial Port Branch, has been selected as the 446th Mission Support Group commander. He visited here in November to get acquainted with the people and squadrons in the wing's largest group and took some time out to talk about his future role with the 446th MSG.
Colonel Petersen grew up in Houston, Texas and has a psychology degree from The Citadel, Military College of the South in Charleston, S.C. He spent 12 and a half years on active duty in transportation and logistics.
He became an Air Force Reservist at Hill AFB, Utah in 1996 when he joined the 67th Aerial Port Squadron.
Colonel Petersen's assumption of command ceremony is set for the January A UTA.

Q: So what are you looking forward to when you take command of the 446th Mission Support Group?

A: I am looking forward to working with some really great folks. I've spent some time meeting the full-time people in the group and getting a feel for what they do and putting faces with names. When I get in place, I will also be working on a strong involvement with my active-duty counterparts.

Q: With what you've seen and heard, are there any specific challenges you are facing after the change of command?

A: Nothing big. This is a good, strong group and, for right now, I think we will just press on. I think compliance, maintaining standards and emphasizing the core values are very important. We will do all that as a team. To me everyone is essential, from the top to the bottom of the organizational structure. We will handle the challenges that come up together.

Q: Your background is primarily transportation, but you've had a variety of jobs in your career. Can you pick a favorite?

A: I liked every one of them. Each one has different challenges. Each one brings a different perspective and experience.

Q: You graduated from The Citadel which has a strong Army tradition, but you chose to join the Air Force. Why?

A: The Air Force offered the best opportunities.