Col. Cole assumes command of the 144th Maintenance Group

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jason Sanchez
  • 144th Fighter Wing
Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif. --  U.S Air Force Col. Marcia Cole assumed command of the 144th Maintenance Group during a change of command ceremony, Jan 9, 2022, at the Fresno Air National Guard Base, California.

Col. Troy Havener, 144th Fighter Wing commander said, “Marcia, you are taking over an amazing organization. The maintenance group continues to deliver, and they continue to come up with innovative ideas.”

As Maintenance Group commander, Col. Cole is responsible for more than 400 Airmen and all the F-15C and F-15D fighter jets assigned to the wing.

“I think you are a perfect match in this complex environment to lead this group,” continued Havener. “Marcia comes to this group with a diverse set of experiences that give her a great leadership philosophy.”

144th Fighter Wing vice commander, Col. J.D. Lundholm, echoed the same confidence in Cole to the men and women of the maintenance group.

“You are in great hands with Col. Marcia Cole,” said Lundholm. “We’re going to work as a team to continue to move agile combat support for global air power.”

Prior to joining the 144th Fighter Wing, Cole served as advisor to the commander of Air Force Material Command. She has held multiple leadership positions within maintenance, wing staff, and the National Guard Bureau.

Upon taking the podium, Cole addressed Cols. Havener and Lundholm, “I want to thank you both for having the trust in me to lead the maintenance group.”

She then addressed the Airmen of the group, “I want to let you know that I am here to ensure that you have the training and tools that you need to be ready and able to defeat our adversaries-- keeping this great nation of ours safe— so you are able to progress in your career and achieve your greatest potential. I look forward to working with all of you.”

Col. Cole’s top priorities for the maintenance group are people, readiness, and safety. By prioritizing people, Cole says that we ensure we are investing in Airmen, taking care of them, and caring for their families. To her, readiness includes making sure Airmen are trained and equipped to meet our wartime taskings. Safety means that Airmen are safe at all times— whether on or off duty. She says that we cannot lose Airmen, aircraft, or equipment to unsafe practices and that appropriate risk-mitigation practices will be used to maintain safety.

Cole commissioned in 2001 after serving as an enlisted Airman for 11 years in both active duty and as a member of the Air National Guard.

“I look forward to leading the 144th Maintenance Group to further heights and contribute to the mission of the 144th Fighter Wing, state, and nation,” said Cole.