JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD - Col. Robert A. Griffith assumed command of the 446th Maintenance Group in a ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Saturday, Feb. 4.

During the ceremony, the military tradition of passing the flags occurred symbolizing the change of leadership as Griffith assumed command of the 446 MXG.

Col. Scott A. Meyer, 446th Airlift Wing commander, presided over the ceremony.

"I will rely on (Griffith) for his depth of knowledge," said Meyer. "You have a steady hand on the helm."

Griffith has served in the Air Force for 37 years. He began his career in 1985, working on the legacy C-141 Starlifter. He has served in all three Air Force Reserve Numbered Air Forces, 10 operational units, and has been responsible for every heavy aircraft in the Air Force inventory, minus the B-2 and CV-22. Before assuming command of the 446 MXG, Griffith served as the 307th Maintenance Group commander at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

"I'm looking forward to getting back to my strategic air roots and being a part of the global reach mission," said Griffith.

Griffith plans to continue the forward momentum of the maintenance group. In his speech, Griffith says that preparing for the new Air Force Generation model takes high priority, as well as shifting the strategic change of focus to the Indo-Pacific region.

The 446 MXG comprises the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 446th Maintenance Squadron. These squadrons are responsible for maintaining dozens of C-17 Globemaster III aircraft alongside its active-duty partner, the 62nd Airlift Wing.

"I promise to bring energy, passion, perspective, and hopefully fun. We have a mission to do, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy what we do," Griffith said.

The maintenance group is one of three groups that support the 446th Airlift Wing in providing ready airmen to support global operations.