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New Group Commander Cites Inspection in Look Forward

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Steve Wilkins
  • 145th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Even after Wing leadership hinted that he was assuming a huge responsibility, with an important test right in front of him, a Charlotte Airman says he is excited that he has reached the pinnacle of his career.

Col. Hugh Daughtry assumed command of the 145th Mission Support Group in a change of command ceremony December 5. During the ceremony, Daughtry, recently on assignment to the Assistant Adjutant General for Air and former 145th Aerial Port Commander was given the impression by Wing Commander Tony McMillan that he'd accepted what may be the greatest challenge of his extensive North Carolina Air National Guard career, adding, "It's a big responsibility... don't take it lightly."

Although he admitted, "this is my dream job," Daughtry later indicated taking it "lightly" is not part of his plan. During his acceptance speech to the group now under his command, more than half the base population of 1200 Airmen, as they stood in formation before him Daughtry urged his charges to look forward.

In just over a year, Daughtry reminded Airmen who supply administrative, logistic, financial and resource support for the base, they will undergo a unit compliance inspection he hopes will confirm the accolades the group received in recent past tests, recognizing many of its organizations and individual members as professional performers and examples of excellence. He acknowledged their superlative performance as he spoke, remarking that he hoped his parents, who were present to witness the personally momentous day would be as impressed with the Wing as he is.

But he later added that "there are just 25 drill days left until the next UCI," adding, "there are always areas to improve and we've got to identify those areas on the margin and work them incrementally," so that the entire group will be ready for the inspection. He said he is committed to showing inspectors the best the organization can do, and there are always things even high performing units can do to become better at what they do.

For the long run, Daughtry said the unit will also continue to attract, recruit and train the best Airmen it can find. He will encourage all Airmen to complete their Professional Military Education and do everything they can in preparation for advancement. He is optimistic about the unit's future, and looks forward to helping the organization evolve.