Mammen Assumes Command of Maintenance Group

  • Published
  • By TSgt David Kujawa
  • 127th Wing Public Affairs
SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. --  Lt. Col Rolf E. Mammen has assumed command of the 127th Maintenance Group.

Mammen assumed command during a traditional military ceremony held in one of the aircraft hangars that serves as the home to the 127th MXG at Selfridge Air National Guard Base on March 10, 2013.

Mammen most recently served as the deputy commander of the 127th Maintenance Group. His career with the Michigan Air National Guard began in 1994 as a C-26 pilot in the 127th Operations Support Squadron. A short time later, Mammen was selected to be a C-130 Hercules pilot in the 171st Airlift Squadron where he served as a fulltime technician. In the mid-1990s, Mammen served as a pilot instructor and training instructor pilot for the C-130.   Mammen deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005. In 2009, he assumed command of the 127th Maintenance Squadron, guiding the squadron through the conversion from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the A-10C Thunderbolt II.

"I have given you the best, a leader that will fight for this maintenance group and for the 127th Wing," Col. Michael T. Thomas, 127th Wing commander, said during the ceremony.

Mammen told the Airmen in his command, "I pledge to work tirelessly for every member, their families and the overall excellence of the 127th Wing."

Lt. Col. Mammen officially assumed command of the Maintenance Group in February, filling a vacancy created after the former commander, Col. Gregory S. Holzhei was appointed Michigan ANG Director of Staff at Joint Forces Headquarters in Lansing, Mich. The 127th Maintenance Group is comprised of approximately 550 authorized aircraft maintenance personnel divided into twelve maintenance specialties. They are directly responsible for the safe and effective maintenance of 127th Wing assigned A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft, including heavy periodic inspections.

Comprised of approximately 1,600 personnel and flying both the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the KC-135 Stratotanker, the 127th Wing supports Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operations Command by providing highly-skilled Airmen to missions domestically and overseas. The 127th Wing is the host unit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which is also home to units of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection.