Maintenance Operations Flight receives new command

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Donnelly
  • 131 Bomb Wing
Whiteman AFB --  Capt. Mark Risley, former Maintenance Squadron officer, assumed command of the Maintenance Operations Flight preceded by Capt. Kirby Findley, 131st Maintenance Squadron commander, during the 131st Bomb Wing Assumption of Commands ceremony Aug. 8 at the Army National Guard Armory at Whiteman Air Force Base. 

"Thank you for your commitment to serve and your willingness to continue in this new adventure with the 131st Bomb Wing," said Captain Risley to his flight. "You are all critical to its success and because of your efforts and willingness to serve, we can all strive forward in making this total force concept a hugely successful reality." 

Captain Risley's assumption helped signify the Total Force Integration of the 131st Bomb Wing and the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB. 

"We are the 131st Bomb Wing, supporting the most premier aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory alongside the active duty men and women of the 509th," said Captain Risley. "I hope you share this same excitement and understand how important you are to this mission." 

Captain Risley joked around with the audience and expressed his gratitude and excitement, but he also wanted to state how appreciative he is of receiving this command. 

"I am humbled to serve with you and am very excited to be a part of this unit at this point in time," said Captain Risley. 

"He brings a lot of knowledge to the table," said Captain Findley. "I know he will do an outstanding job." 

Captain Risley joined the active duty Air Force in 1992 and joined the Missouri Air National Guard in 1998. He was an enlisted member of the avionics shop until receiving his commission in 2002. He has worked as an Aircraft Maintenance officer until assuming command of the Maintenance Operations Flight. 

Captain Risley's Assumption of Command was held in conjunction with two other assumptions, Maintenance Group and Maintenance Squadron.