498th Nuclear Systems Group Change of Command Published July 30, 2007 By Sheila Rupp Nucleus Staff KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- Col. Ray D. Lowe II accepted command of the 498th Nuclear Systems Group July 19 at the Nuclear Weapons Center main conference room. Prior to coming to Kirtland AFB, Colonel Lowe served as the chief of the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System Division of the 950th Electronic Systems Group at Hanscom AFB, Mass. Colonel Lowe is a native of New York City. He graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and was commissioned through Air Force ROTC in 1983. Colonel Lowe is a career acquisition officer, managing acquisition programs at all levels from the base, major command and headquarters. He also has experience in missile operations as a commander and instructor. Colonel Lowe has been awarded the Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation medal with two oak leaf clusters and various other ribbons and medals.