Wing welcomes new 341st MSG commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eydie Sakura
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Col. John Patricola accepted command of the 341st Mission Support Group from Col. Michael Fortney, 341st Missile Wing commander, July 1 in a change of command ceremony at the Medal of Honor Park. 

"Air Force senior leadership always seems to find the right person for the right job," Colonel Fortney said. "(Colonel Patricola) is a career communications officer and is no stranger to base-level trench work." 

In accepting command, Colonel Patricola acknowledged the men and women of the mission support group and said the focus is really about them. Working on base, in the missile field or at a deployed location across the globe, the mission support group personnel provides critical support to the wing, he said. 

"What a privilege to be standing here today," Colonel Patricola said. "Thank you, Colonel Fortney, for allowing me this opportunity to lead our awesome mission support group. I will give you my best every day." 

As commander, he provides critical war-fighting and peacetime support to the 341st MW. This includes supporting 43 units including tenants, engineering and construction, contracting services, disaster preparedness, personnel administration, communication services, recreation facilities, dining/lodging services, transportation services and worldwide contingency mobility forces. 

Colonel Patricola enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1979. After completing his tour of duty in 1983, he left the service to complete his education. Colonel Patricola was a distinguished graduate of Officer Training School and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force in 1987. He has held diverse leadership positions at the company, a battalion, detachment, squadron, group, wing and joint levels. 

He comes to Malmstrom with his wife, Sam, after a two-year assignment as a Net-Centric Capabilities Portfolio Management Liaison Officer, United States Strategic Command, Arlington, VA. 

Outgoing 341st MSG commander, Col. Roderick Davis, retired today after 25 years of service.