131st Maintenance Squadron receives new command

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

"The B-2 is a highly technical, complex and reliable aircraft that is the premier platform for U.S. deterrence," said Captain Findley. "As it is with everything, the platform doesn't operate without the proficiency of the people working on it." 

He added, "I expect that each and every one of us will do our very best to set the standard, to be the premier Maintenance Squadron." 

Captain Findley assumed command in front of his Maintenance Squadron formation as part of the Total Force Integration of the 131st Bomb Wing and the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB. 

"Capt. Findley is well qualified and an excellent choice for this position," said Colonel Beck. "He is the right man, for the right job, at the right time." 

Captain Findley joined the Air National Guard in 1989 and received his commission in 2002. He started as a laser guidance specialist in the F-4 Photo-Sensors shop, then spent a short time in Communication-Navigations before being assigned to the Avionics flight line as an electronic warfare specialist. Captain Findley then transferred to the Avionics intermediate shop as a photo-sensors specialist before receiving his commission. 

"The people are not only professionals in their fields, but [also] outstanding citizens that I am very honored to work with," said Captain Findley. "It is an exciting time to be part of the 131st Bomb Wing and in the Nation's service." 

The Assumptions of Commands ceremony was held to honor three separate assumptions; Maintenance Group, Maintenance Squadron and Maintenance Operations Flight.