News

Peddicord takes reins of 446th MXG

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Stephen J. Collier
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  For Col. Kirk Peddicord, the end of his military journey looks much like how it started.

His times as a Cold War Warrior in eastern Washington, flying the B-52 Stratofortress under Strategic Air Command at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, made him long for the days of returning to the state's evergreens.

Since transferring to the Air Force Reserve in 1989, and later switching from flying aircraft to leading those who maintained them, Peddicord had only one wish: to go back to where it all began.

On Aug. 1, 2015, he got his wish.

Peddicord took command of the 446th Maintenance Group during a change of command ceremony here. Peddicord was passed the group's flag from outgoing commander, Col. Alan Lerner. Presiding over the ceremony was Col. Scott McLaughlin, 446th Airlift Wing commander.

Lerner, who led the men and women of the group since September 2011, retired after more than 30 years of service.

Addressing the audience of more than 250, McLaughlin said the new maintenance group commander is "a hard-charging superstar with unlimited potential."

Col. Kirk Peddicord comes to us as an extremely qualified maintenance officer with an impressive history of professional excellence," McLaughlin said. "There is no doubt in my mind that [he] is the right person to take the leadership reins."

Peddicord said he maintains one, singular priority wherever he goes.

"My big priority has and always will be how we work well with our active duty counterparts and ensure we make Team McChord ... Team McChord," he said. "It will never be a problem with the people turning wrenches on the flightline; they always work well together. I feel the 62nd and 446th are all one, and we need to be as much apart of them as they are with us. That to me is the biggest priority right now."

Peddicord expects his new command will be his last assignment before retiring from the AF Reserve.

"I'm just thankful to be back on the West Coast and at a unit like the 446th Maintenance Group. It's got a great reputation and I knew what to expect when I got here."

And his advice for the Airmen under his new command? Have fun.

"You need to enjoy what you're doing and I've always enjoyed it. I'm so glad to be sent back to the wing level. I had the chance to work at the staff level, but nothing beats being at the wing with the espirit de corps and teamwork. And being apart of something big."