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Lt. Col. Kimberly Fitzgerald assumes command of the 178th Mission Support Group

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Simones
  • 178th Wing Public Affairs
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio --  Lt. Col. Kimberly Fitzgerald, the incoming 178th Mission Support Group commander, assumed her new leadership role during an assumption of command ceremony at Springfield Air National Guard Base, Oct. 16.

"I'm very thankful for the opportunities I've had at this wing," said Fitzgerald. "I am really excited to join this group."

"She served in Kansas, Pennsylvania and Arizona Guard units," said Col. John Knabel, the 178th Wing commander.

Fitzgerald joined the Air National Guard in 1993. She transferred to the 178th Wing from Arizona in 2011 to serve as the Reconnaissance Squadron's Director of Operations.

"I believe I'm giving you one of the finest officers in the state of Ohio as your commander," said Knabel.

She has more than 1,800 hours of experience as an MQ-1B evaluator and instructor pilot. Her leadership of the 178th Wing's expeditionary combat mission prepared her for her new leadership role as the 178th MSG commander.

"Each of you have helped to mold me into the person and [Airman] I am today," said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald began her career in a supply warehouse, and looks forward to coming back to her roots by leading the 178th MSG.

"It feels right that I'm here now," said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald discussed her personal mission statement: "Make a difference; make it better," which emphasizes caring for the people and quality of the unit.