Former 564th MS commander returns to head Operations Group

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Col. Mohammed "Mo" Khan accepted command of the 341st Operations Group from Col. Michael Fortney, 341st Missile Wing commander, May 20 in a change of command ceremony at the 3-Bay Hangar. 

"Changes of command like this signify more than a transition," said Colonel Fortney. "They signify an Air Force tradition. Being a commander is the most rewarding and most challenging position an officer can have." 

"Just as one great leader leaves, they (the Air Force) find another great leader to step in," Colonel Fortney said of Colonel Khan. "There will be no vacuum felt here." 

In accepting command of the 341st OG, Colonel Khan acknowledged all of the men and women in flight suits attending, that he has come here to lead. He also acknowledged a few others. 

"To those of you in my charge, I want you to look at all those around you in ABU's and BDU's," Colonel Khan said. "I want you to take a hard look at them. They are here because they support you. They support me. They are here because they are your band of brothers and sisters and I don't want you to ever forget that." 

He went on to explain his three main priorities which are to do your absolute very best at all times; to take care of each other and your families; and to give freely of yourself both on and off base. 

Colonel Khan began his Air Force career in 1988 following commissioning through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program. His first assignment following missile combat crew training at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., was as an ICBM missile launch officer at Minot AFB, N.D. He then went on to serve in a variety of missile combat crew positions to include deputy missile combat crew flight commander, deputy missile combat crew evaluator, missile combat crew commander, missile combat crew flight commander, and senior training and evaluation flight commander. Colonel Khan then advanced to squadron, group and wing-level positions serving as Executive War Order plans and intelligence officer; EWO training officer, wing executive officer, and assistant chief of the standardization and evaluation division. 

Colonel Khan's first trip to Malmstrom was in 2002 when he assumed command of the former 564th Missile Squadron. At that time, the Security Forces Group as it is organized today, did not exist. Colonel Khan was responsible for more than 260 missile operations, security forces and mission support personnel who ensured the combat readiness and security of five missile alert facilities and 50 Minuteman III ICBMs. 

In May 2003, Colonel Khan was selected to attend Senior Service School in-residence in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Most recently, Colonel Khan has held positions at the Pentagon from June 2005 until his selection as the 341st OG commander here. He served as the chief of the space operations division; deputy director for space operations and then for space and nuclear operations before being named the director of space operations in March 2008. His final position at the Pentagon was as chief of the space superiority division since July 2008. 

In those roles, he was responsible for all budget planning for 90 space and nuclear deterrence programs totaling more than $127 billion across the Future Years Defense Program. He led the Air Staff's 60-member space panel to prepare the service program objective memorandum. He also served as the key space and nuclear advisor to the Air Force director of programs, coordinated budget programs for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and built strategic options for consideration for the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force. 

Colonel Khan and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Mo III, who will be attending the United States Military Academy at West Point following his graduation from high school later this month, and Simeon, who will attend school at CMR High School this fall. 

Outgoing 341st OG commander, Col. David Durgan, retired May 21 after 31 years of service.