New Mustang One takes command

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Chris Hoyler
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Col. Patrick Malackowski took charge of the 51st Fighter Wing Mustangs during a ceremony here Dec. 7.

Colonel Malackowski, who previously served as the 57th Operations Group Commander at Nellis AFB, Nev., took command from Col. Thomas Deale. Brig. Gen. Michael Keltz, 7th Air Force Vice Commander, presided over the event.

"Airmen of Team Osan - warriors - your service, your dedication, your commitment and your warrior ethos inspires me, and soon Carol, to join this team and to be a part of this strong organization," Colonel Malackowski said.

Colonel Deale, who took command of the wing on Oct. 15, 2008, was selected by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force to serve as the Director of Colonel Management at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

While in command, Colonel Deale led the wing to an "Excellent" rating in the 2009 Pacific Air Forces Operational Readiness Inspection. He also oversaw the first steps in the new U.S. Forces Korea Tour Normalization plan, including the opening of the new Osan Middle School, the synthetic turf playing field at Osan American High School and the beginning of construction on the Air Force's last new Enlisted Club (the Air Force has stopped building exclusively enlisted clubs in favor of collocated clubs).

"To the men and women of the 51st Fighter Wing, it has been my highest honor to serve our nation as your commander," Colonel Deale said. "Together we flew the line, manned the perimeter and were ready for combat operations."

Colonel Malackowski said he was humbled to be part of Team Osan.

"You are the winners, you are the leaders and you are the warriors," he said. "I hope that my service will reflect the pride and graciousness and the tremendous honor that I feel as I stand amongst you.

"I plan to lead and follow ferociously as we stand ready to fight and win tonight."